California Assembly Bill AB292

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/21
• Refer: 1/28/21
• Report Pass: 3/17/21
• Refer: 3/18/21
• Report Pass: 3/24/21
• Refer: 3/24/21
• Refer: 4/14/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/1/21
• Refer: 6/2/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 7/6/21
• Refer: 7/6/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/2/21
• Chaptered: 10/6/21
• Passed: 10/6/21

Caption

Corrections: rehabilitative programming.

Impact

The enactment of AB 292 is expected to significantly influence the rehabilitation landscape within California's correctional facilities. By prioritizing accessibility to educational and self-help programs, the bill seeks to promote personal growth and skills development among incarcerated individuals. This legislative measure also highlights the importance of making rehabilitative programming available even during periods when in-person sessions might be restricted due to health or security concerns, thereby emphasizing a more inclusive approach to rehabilitation.

Summary

Assembly Bill 292, also known as the Corrections: Rehabilitative Programming Bill, mandates the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to enhance and streamline its rehabilitative programming for incarcerated individuals. The bill specifies that the CDCR must conduct its programming in a manner that minimizes disruptions due to facility transfers, prioritizes individuals who have transferred for nonadverse reasons, and aims to reduce wait times for participation in such programs. It emphasizes providing diverse opportunities for all individuals in custody, regardless of their security level or the length of their sentence.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 292 appears to be supportive among legislators and rehabilitation advocates who view it as a necessary step towards improving the functionality of California's prison system. Proponents argue that better rehabilitative programming not only facilitates successful reintegration of inmates into society but also enhances public safety by contributing to lower recidivism rates. However, some concerns about resource allocation and the capacity of existing facilities to implement the required changes may have been raised during discussions.

Contention

A point of contention in the deliberation of AB 292 relates to the logistics and feasibility of implementing such expansive programming requirements in an already overstretched correctional system. Critics may worry about the practical implications of expanding programming without additional funding or resources and whether the CDCR can accommodate the bill's mandates effectively, especially considering the challenges posed by a large prison population and limited budgets.