Reporting of and notifications about restricted movement and solitary confinement in state correctional institutions and county jails and making an appropriation. (FE)
The introduction of AB939 is expected to significantly affect state laws concerning inmate management and the transparency of correctional operations. By implementing a notification system, the bill aims to ensure that families and designated contacts are informed about restrictions impacting visitation within 24 hours. This initiative seeks to decrease the potential for abuse in solitary confinement practices by maintaining a record that can be accessed by state legislators and the public, thereby promoting checks and balances in the treatment of inmates.
Assembly Bill 939 establishes a framework for reporting and notification regarding restrictions placed on inmates in state correctional institutions and county jails, notably those related to visitation and communication. This bill mandates the Department of Corrections (DOC) to create an interactive reporting system on its website that provides current updates, specifically about partial or full prison lockdowns, reasons for restrictions, and the number of inmates in solitary confinement. The goal is to enhance transparency and accountability within the correctional system, making relevant information available to the public and designated personal contacts of inmates.
Overall, AB939 addresses critical aspects of inmate treatment and oversight, aiming to mitigate any potential overreach in solitary confinement usage while fostering communication and accountability. The bill, if passed, would represent a step forward in the reform of correctional practices, reflecting a growing recognition of inmate rights and the importance of institutional transparency.
While proponents, including various legislators and advocacy groups, argue that AB939 will provide overdue transparency and safeguard inmate rights, opponents express concerns about the potential administrative burden on correctional facilities and the effectiveness of such notification systems. Critiques also focus on the adequacy of the resources allocated for the implementation of these systems, raising the issue of whether the proposed $233,300 allocation for fiscal year 2023-24 and $350,000 for 2024-25 would be sufficient to create sustainable and efficient notification and reporting mechanisms.