California Assembly Bill AB990

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/21
• Refer: 3/4/21
• Report Pass: 4/15/21
• Refer: 4/19/21
• Report Pass: 4/21/21
• Refer: 4/26/21
• Refer: 5/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/2/21
• Refer: 6/3/21
• Refer: 6/16/21
• Report Pass: 7/14/21
• Refer: 7/14/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/8/21
• Vetoed: 10/6/21

Caption

Prisons: inmate visitation.

Impact

The passage of AB 990 would significantly amend existing regulations governing inmate visitation in California prisons. It mandates that civil rights concerning inmate visitation cannot be infringed upon unless justifiable for security reasons, which must be narrowly defined. This change is seen as a critical step toward enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of incarcerated individuals, thereby supporting their successful reintegration into society post-release. Importantly, any government actions infringing on these rights could be subject to judicial review.

Summary

Assembly Bill 990, introduced by Assembly Member Santiago, aims to strengthen the rights of inmates in California regarding personal visits. The bill seeks to establish in-person contact visits as a recognized civil right, highlighting the importance of these visits for maintaining family and community connections, which can contribute positively to inmate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates. The legislation would prohibit the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from denying visitation as a disciplinary measure and requires transparency in the reasons for any denial.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive among advocates for inmate rights and rehabilitation programs, who argue that facilitating personal visits is crucial for maintaining familial relationships that can help mitigate the effects of incarceration on families. However, there may be concerns from some law enforcement and correctional bodies regarding the potential security implications of expanding visitation rights, suggesting a need for careful balance between rights and safety.

Contention

Dissenters may argue that allowing more access to personal visits could complicate security protocols in correctional facilities. Additionally, there could be discussions about the logistically challenging nature of implementing these new regulations consistently across various institutions while ensuring the safety and integrity of the prison environment. Nonetheless, the underlying premise of the bill emphasizes rehabilitation and the importance of community ties for those incarcerated, reflecting a shift toward more humane treatment of inmates.