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San Mateo commission backs AB 802 requiring periodic surveys on juvenile nutrition in confinement
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to write a letter of support for AB 802, a bill that would require juvenile justice commissions (or designated community organizations) to conduct at least biennial surveys assessing nutritional needs of confined youth and to publish findings and corrective actions
REDWOOD CITY — The San Mateo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission on Feb. 25 voted unanimously to send a letter of support for AB 802, a newly introduced California Assembly bill that would require regular local surveys assessing whether the nutritional needs of youth in secure juvenile facilities are being met.
Vice Chair Huber Levy and other commissioners briefed the panel on the bill, authored by Assemblymember LaShay Sharp Collins and circulated by a coalition that includes reform‑minded prosecutors. The commission described AB 802 as a statewide response to concerns that emerged in multiple counties about food quality for youth in confinement.
According to the bill language and the commission briefing, AB 802 would authorize juvenile justice commissions — or a community‑based organization working with them — to administer a survey at least every two years of youth in confinement (language in the bill packet reviewed by the commission referenced “any persons 26 years of age in the county juvenile hall lockup, camp, or other facility used for confinement” to assess nutritional needs). Survey results and proposed remedial actions would be published on county websites and be publicly available.
Commissioners discussed logistical issues the bill will face, including the need for independent, professionally conducted surveys and funding for data collection and publication. The commission noted that survey quality and independence will determine whether the results can be used effectively to recommend corrective actions.
After brief discussion, the commission voted to write a letter of support for AB 802 and to coordinate with statewide partners and local advocacy groups on suggested amendments and implementation details. The roll call vote was recorded as unanimous in favor.
Ending — The commission will send a letter supporting AB 802 and will continue to monitor the bill’s committee progress, offer suggested language changes if necessary, and consult with statewide juvenile‑justice partners on implementation and funding approaches.
