California Must Plan to Keep People in Prison Safe

We must ensure California takes the appropriate steps to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 in correctional facilities across the state.

On July 7, there were nearly 2,400 incarcerated persons and 640 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or California Correctional Health Care Services employees with active cases of COVID-19 statewide. A total of 47,000+ people incarcerated have been tested with the cumulative number of confirmed cases at 5,300+ incarcerated people and nearly 1,100 staff.

29 incarcerated people have died and the threat continues to rise as we have seen an uptick of new cases, with thousands of new cases in just the last few weeks.

We must prevent disaster. That's what the Correctional Facility Emergency Response Act of 2020 will do.

AB 2876 would:

Create a task force of experts to provide recommendations to the legislature and Governor to make prisons safer and more humane in times of disasters and emergencies.
Extends the sunset date for the Supervised Population Workforce Grant Program to January 1, 2026.

California needs a concrete plan to ensure that when catastrophe strikes, our incarcerated populations do not suffer first and worst while receiving relief last and least.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brings into focus the serious threats that natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies can inflict on the incarcerated population. We must minimize the number of confined people, recognize the value of rehabilitation and improve conditions for those who are incarcerated and for those who work there. California must immediately mitigate the negative health and safety outcomes by updating plans for prison safety protocols and infrastructure throughout the state.” - Assemblymember Marie Waldron, Assembly District 75.

Marie Waldron

Sign The Petition

California lawmakers and governing body,

California Assembly Bill 2876, the Correctional Facility Emergency Response Act of 2020, would create a task force of experts to evaluate and make recommendations to the legislature and Governor to ensure that California is prepared for future emergencies and disasters.

AB 2876 would craft recommendations to ensure California’s correctional facilities don't become death camps in the midst of crises. Instead, we need a strong plan to ensure that our prisons are safe and humane for the people living in them and stay focused on rehabilitation and workforce development to keep communities safe as people return home to their communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put this issue into stark relief. As we emerge from this challenging time together, we must work toward a criminal justice system that is fairer, more resilient, and better than it was before. A task force of experts that includes impacted voices is an important step. Add your name if you agree.

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