BILL NUMBER: AB 2133	CHAPTERED  08/26/02

	CHAPTER  238
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  AUGUST 26, 2002
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  AUGUST 24, 2002
	PASSED THE SENATE  AUGUST 8, 2002
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  MAY 23, 2002
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 17, 2002

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Goldberg

                        FEBRUARY 20, 2002

   An act to add Chapter 10.7 (commencing with Section 6400) to the
Penal Code, relating to prisons.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2133, Goldberg.   Prisons:  inmate visitation.
   Existing law includes legislative findings and declarations
indicating the importance of visitation to prisoners as an effective
correctional technique that reduces recidivism, and provides for
specified services for visitors to prisons.  Existing law includes
regulations governing the policy and practice of the Department of
Corrections concerning prison visitation.
   This bill would require that any amendments to existing
regulations and any future regulations adopted by the Department of
Corrections which may impact the visitation of inmates recognize and
consider the value of inmate visitation as a means of increasing
safety in prisons, maintaining family and community connections, and
preparing inmates for successful release and rehabilitation.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Chapter 10.7 (commencing with Section 6400) is added to
the Penal Code, to read:

      CHAPTER 10.7.  PRISON VISITATION

   6400.  Any amendments to existing regulations and any future
regulations adopted by the Department of Corrections which may impact
the visitation of inmates shall do all of the following:
   (a) Recognize and consider the value of visiting as a means to
improve the safety of prisons for both staff and inmates.
   (b) Recognize and consider the important role of inmate visitation
in establishing and maintaining a meaningful connection with family
and community.
   (c) Recognize and consider the important role of inmate visitation
in preparing an inmate for successful release and rehabilitation.