Juveniles: rights: computing technology.
The bill amends existing sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code, thus imposing a state-mandated local program requiring counties to provide the necessary resources. This alteration signifies a governmental interest in ensuring that juveniles maintain vital connections with their families, while also equipping them with essential technological skills that are crucial for their education in a modern context. Under this legislation, facilities will have the authority to limit this access in specific situations for safety and security reasons, enabling a balance between the needs of the youth and considerations of safety in confined settings.
Assembly Bill No. 811, introduced by Assembly Member Gipson, seeks to enhance the rights of juveniles confined in facilities of the Division of Juvenile Justice by ensuring they have reasonable access to computer technology and the Internet. Starting January 1, 2021, the bill mandates that youth in these facilities must be provided with such access for educational purposes and for maintaining contact with family members, including parents and siblings. Additionally, minors detained or committed to juvenile halls or camps will receive similar access, reinforcing their rights to quality education and familial connections.
The sentiment surrounding AB 811 appears generally positive, particularly among advocates for juvenile rights and technology access. Proponents argue that granting technological access empowers young people and supports their reintegration into society by keeping them connected to their families. However, there are concerns regarding the limitations placed on this access, which some believe could undermine the bill's intent if not carefully regulated. This dual aspect of support and caution highlights the complexities and varying sentiments in legislative discussions about technological access for incarcerated youth.
One notable point of contention within the legislative discourse is the implications of mandating technology access without providing sufficient funding for local agencies to implement these changes effectively. There are potential concerns about the financial burden placed on local facilities, particularly if additional costs arise from technology implementation. The bill addresses this by specifying that reimbursement for new mandated costs will occur only if recognized as necessary by the Commission on State Mandates, thereby attempting to mitigate financial concerns for local governments while promoting juvenile rights.