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Senate committee advances corrections bill to broaden penalties and require cameras, limit solo shifts
Summary
SB 850 would expand accountability for CDCR staff who commit sexual assault in custody, require cameras in women's facilities by 2028, prohibit solo shifts in specified roles, and allow brief respite requests for incarcerated women; the Labor Committee advanced the bill as amended to Appropriations.
Senator Ashby presented SB 850, a multi‑part bill addressing sexual assault and staff accountability in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institutions for women. The author said amendments accepted in committee narrowed the measure, removing a 100‑unit construction project exemption and thermal camera language while preserving four core components: (1) a pension component to allow forfeiture for staff who commit sexual assault in custody, (2) elimination of solo shifts in certain positions within women’s institutions, (3) a mandate to complete camera installation by 2028, and (4) a process allowing incarcerated women to request brief respite from a lieutenant on duty.
Gavin McHugh of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), the bill sponsor, testified in support, saying the bill would “address and prevent the rare but serious cases of sexual abuse involving correctional staff.” He said the measure would hold accountable staff responsible for these acts.
Opposition and concern came from community advocates and organizations representing incarcerated women, including the California Coalition for Women Prisoners and the Ellis Baker Center. Advocates expressed concerns about implementation, litigation risk, and whether pension forfeiture would be effective given historically low prosecution and conviction rates for staff abuse claims. They urged additional work on accountability systems, staffing culture, and prevention rather than punitive provisions alone.
Senators including Laird and Strickland commended the author and CCPOA for pursuing accountability and prevention. Senator Laird noted this measure was one of several in play and said the bill represents a substantive step even if it is not the sole solution. Committee members recorded a 4–0 vote to pass SB 850 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. Supporters and opponents agreed to continue stakeholder discussions on implementation.
