Bill > AB1140

This bill establishes the Single-Occupancy Cell Pilot Program of 2026, which requires the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to develop and implement a pilot program that will house 10% of the population in single-occupancy cells at four adult prison facilities by January 1, 2027. The program aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes, reduce stress, and enhance safety for both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff by providing inmates with a more secure and restful living environment. Participation in the program will be voluntary, and inmates can request transfer out of single-occupancy cells at any time. The secretary must select the facilities and establish criteria for determining who will be housed in single-occupancy cells, with specific exclusions for safety, detoxification, and temporary holding cells. By March 15, 2028, the secretary must submit a comprehensive public report to the Governor and Legislature detailing various aspects of the pilot program, including the number of participants, their involvement in work and educational programs, housing classifications, and incidents of violence or disciplinary actions. The bill emphasizes that the pilot program is intended to promote healing and rehabilitation, not punishment, and specifically prohibits the construction of new prison facilities to implement the program.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1140