California Assembly Bill AB1645

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/26
• Refer: 2/9/26
• Report Pass: 3/4/26
• Refer: 3/4/26
• Refer: 4/8/26
• Report Pass: 5/14/26
• Engrossed: 5/22/26
• Refer: 5/22/26
• Refer: 6/3/26

Caption

An act to amend Section 6400 of, and to add Section 6406 to, the Penal Code, relating to corrections.

Impact

The passage of AB 1645 will significantly affect regulations governing visitation in California's correctional facilities. The bill's proponents argue that it will foster healthier relationships by limiting excessive restrictions on physical interactions during visits. By allowing more meaningful contact, supporters believe the bill will enhance the emotional well-being of both incarcerated individuals and their families, thereby supporting better behavioral outcomes within prisons and aiding in successful reintegration into society post-release. Additionally, the legislation is framed within a broader context of recognizing the constitutional rights of individuals to maintain familial relationships, reinforcing insights gained from prior court rulings and legislative resolutions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1645, the Humanizing and Uniting Generations Safely (HUGS) Act of 2026, aims to enhance the visitation process for incarcerated persons by recognizing the importance of nonsexual physical contact during visits. The bill amends existing regulations in the Penal Code to ensure that incarcerated individuals can engage in nonsexual physical contact with their visitors, which includes actions like hand holding, hugging, and other forms of appropriate touching. This legislative action takes into account the need for maintaining familial bonds and emotional connections, which are seen as beneficial for rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates.

Contention

Despite its intentions, AB 1645 may face scrutiny from those concerned with prison safety and operational protocols. Potential opponents might argue that increased physical contact during visits could lead to security risks or complicate the enforcement of existing correctional regulations. Historical concerns about the management of parent-child relationships and the supervision of visitations may bring forth a mixed response from various stakeholders in the corrections system. However, advocates for the bill contend that it is essential for addressing the emotional and psychological implications of incarceration, especially for families of incarcerated individuals.