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Committee refers bill directing AG to develop oversight plan for private detention facilities to Health Committee
Summary
Senator Perez's measure directing the attorney general to devise oversight for privately-operated civil detention facilities was referred to the Health Committee following testimony from CHIRLA describing inadequate conditions and prior AG reports documenting deaths and neglect.
Senator Perez introduced SB 957 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee and described it as the "Protecting Vulnerable Immigrant Detainees Model Act," which would direct the California attorney general to develop an oversight plan for privately operated civil detention facilities to improve inspections, compliance and enforcement.
Perez said privately operated facilities detain individuals who depend on the facilities for shelter, food and medical care and that the state has a duty to ensure conditions are humane and safe. The senator cited the state attorney general's recent report finding unacceptable conditions in some facilities.
Ronald Coleman Viasa, testifying for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), described on-the-ground concerns including detainees being given raw or undercooked food, delayed or inadequate medical care, and chronic mismanagement of conditions like diabetes. He said the AG's reports since 2017 have documented recurring deficiencies and deaths.
The committee recorded a motion and a roll call to refer SB 957 to the Health Committee. The clerk announced that the motion passed and the bill was referred. Lawmakers and witnesses argued the change is needed to create a consistent, long-term state regulatory structure for inspections, compliance and enforcement if privately operated facilities continue to operate in California.
The referral sends SB 957 to Health Committee for further development and possible amendments.
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