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Bill creating statewide inspections for involuntary residential facilities advances amid constitutional and overlap questions
Summary
SB 995 would create a uniform statewide inspection and enforcement framework for large involuntary residential facilities, including privately run detention centers; sponsors said it's constitutional and necessary after reported deaths and neglect, while probation officers urged clarifying amendments to avoid duplication with existing oversight.
SB 995, the Masooma Khan Justice Act, was heard by the Assembly Health Committee and advanced to the judiciary committee after extensive testimony.
The author framed the bill as a public‑health and accountability measure to ensure private and public involuntary residential facilities meet California health and safety standards. “If detention facilities operate in California, they must meet California standards for safety, dignity, and human rights,” the author said, noting reports of undercooked food, delayed medical care, and multiple deaths (Perez).
Sponsor witnesses — including CHIRLA, Public Counsel, and others — recounted client experiences in detention facilities and argued the bill fits within state police powers to regulate health and safety conditions. CHERLA counsel Ronald Komenbalesa emphasized that the bill targets conditions, not custody decisions, and described it as neutral and generally applicable (Ronald Komenbalesa).
Opposition from the chiefs of probation raised definitional concerns, particularly about inclusion of Secure Youth Treatment Facilities (SYTFs) and potential duplication with existing oversight by the Board of State and Community Corrections and local public health authorities. Danielle Sanchez urged amendments to clarify how the bill would coordinate with existing inspection frameworks and avoid operational conflicts.
The author and members discussed those overlaps and noted statutory language that gives the Department of Public Health discretion to avoid duplicative enforcement; the committee voted the bill out to the judiciary committee for further consideration.
