Bill > SB553

This bill amends California's Penal Code to modify the clearance process for individuals entering state prisons. The bill expands the definition of "legal professional" to include attorneys, their representatives (such as private investigators, law students, legal paraprofessionals, and certain employees), and establishes a standardized process for legal professionals to obtain annual clearances to provide legal services across all state prison institutions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation must now create standardized clearance forms, process applications within 30 days, and provide notification about approval or disapproval. Additionally, the bill mandates that certain high-ranking government officials, including the Governor, cabinet members, legislators and their staff, and current state judges, shall be automatically granted short-term clearance to enter corrections facilities upon request, without needing to go through the standard application process. The bill also updates the chapter heading from "Rehabilitative Program Providers" to "Clearances" to reflect these changes, and defines various types of clearances such as short-term, annual, and statewide program provider clearances.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB553