California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB701

Introduced
2/14/25  
Refer
3/3/25  
Report Pass
3/26/25  
Refer
3/26/25  
Refer
4/23/25  

Caption

An act to add and repeal Article 7 (commencing with Section 2697) of Chapter 4 of Title 1 of Part 3 of the Penal Code, relating to corrections.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the significant negative implications that prolonged solitary confinement can have on mental health, rehabilitation, and public safety. By collecting detailed data, AB701 aims to foster an understanding of solitary confinement practices and their consequences in order to develop effective policies. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of humane treatment and the need for facilities to provide opportunities for meaningful human interaction, which are seen as essential elements for the wellbeing of incarcerated individuals.

Summary

Assembly Bill 701, introduced by Assembly Member Ortega, seeks to address the issue of solitary confinement within California's detention facilities. The bill mandates a comprehensive study to be conducted by the Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Board of State and Community Corrections. The study is set to gather critical data on the use of solitary confinement for the first nine months of 2026, including the duration, conditions, and justifications for its application, as well as the demographics of individuals subjected to this treatment. The goal is to better understand the impacts of solitary confinement on mental health and public safety, and to inform future policymaking.

Contention

Although the bill seeks to provide a framework for reevaluating solitary confinement, it also raises potential points of contention regarding the cost implications for local detention facilities due to the mandated data collection and analysis requirements. The legislation includes provisions for the reimbursement of any mandated costs, as determined by the Commission on State Mandates. As the study aims to comprehensively assess the practices surrounding solitary confinement, it may elicit debates about the ethical considerations of its use and the broader goals of prison reform in California.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB829

An act to add and repeal Article 1 (commencing with Section 18700) of Chapter 3 of Part 10.

CA AB703

An act to add and repeal Article 3 (commencing with Section 18720) of Chapter 3 of Part 10.

CA AB746

Inmate Cooperative Program.

CA AB395

An act to add Section 37224 to, and to add Article 12 (commencing with Section 66095) to Chapter 2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, and to amend Sections 11131 and 54961 of the Government Code, relating to holidays.

CA SB226

An act to add Article 6 (commencing with Section 74298) to Chapter 5 of Part 46 of Division 7 of Title 3 of the Education Code, relating to community colleges. An act to amend Section 53369.3 of the Government Code, relating to local government.

CA AB48

An act to amend Sections 15102, 15106, 15268, and 15270 of, to add Article 8 (commencing with Section 89800) to Chapter 6 of Part 55 of Division 8 of Title 3 of, to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 92170) to Chapter 2 of Part 57 of Division 9 of Title 3 of, and to add Part 71 (commencing with Section 101200) to Division 14 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, relating to education finance, by providing the funds necessary therefor through an election for the issuance and sale of bonds of the State of California and for the handling and disposition of these funds.

CA AB1163

Employees: workplace violence prevention plans: topics and trainings.

CA SB520

An act to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 128570) to Chapter 5 of Part 3 of Division 107 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to maternal care and services.

CA AB408

An act to repeal and add Article 14 (commencing with Section 2340) of Chapter 5 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.

CA AB31

An act to add and repeal Sections 830.83 and 832.55 of, and to add and repeal amend Sections 830.83, 832.55, and 11073 of, to amend the heading of Article 2.45 (commencing with Section 11073) of Chapter 1 of Title 1 of Part 4 of, to amend and renumber Section 11073.6 of, to add Article 2.41 (commencing with Section 11071) to Chapter 1 of Title 1 of Part 4 of, and to repeal Section 11073.5 of, the Penal Code, relating to peace officers.

Similar Bills

HI HB1322

Relating To Corrections.

HI SB104

Relating To Corrections.

HI HB1322

Relating To Corrections.

PA SB787

Providing for solitary confinement.

SD HB1276

Establish policies and procedures for the use of solitary confinement in a juvenile facility.

WI AB740

Solitary confinement. (FE)

PA SB360

Providing for solitary confinement.

LA HB457

Provides relative to solitary confinement (EN NO IMPACT See Note)