BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 2570 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 7, 2014 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 2570 (Skinner) - As Introduced: February 21, 2014 Policy Committee: Public SafetyVote: 7-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill adds health care to the list of Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) inmate and parolee programs the California Rehabilitation Oversight Board (C-ROB) must regularly examine, and make reports, findings, and recommendations. FISCAL EFFECT Absorbable costs to the Office of the Inspector General (total budget of $17 million), which administers C-ROB, to add health care to C-ROB's list of oversight areas. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . The author contends the role of health care is a crucial element in CDCR programming that should explicitly fall under the purview of C-ROB. According to the author, "Currently, the Board is not required to review health care programs that would help inmates and parolees rehabilitate. The health care of an inmate is a key factor in whether he or she will be able to successfully reintegrate into society. Inmates who need medical attention in prison are likely to also need health care once released. Research shows that formerly incarcerated individuals who have access to medical services upon release have reduced recidivism rates, increasing the likelihood they will become productive citizens." 2)Current law requires C-ROB to meet at least quarterly, and AB 2570 Page 2 examine the various inmate and parolee mental health, substance abuse, educational, and employment programs operated by CDCR. C-ROB is required to report to the governor and Legislature biannually and may submit other reports as necessary. 3)It is not clear that additional health reports necessary . Correctional health care has been under the control of a receiver appointed by a federal court since 2006 and has received more scrutiny that any other aspect of correctional policies in the past decade. The receiver is the executive manager of medical care in California state prisons and provides comprehensive reports to the Legislature and the governor triannually, as well as monthly reports related to the objectives in the receiver's Turnaround Plan of Action. Analysis Prepared by : Geoff Long / APPR. / (916) 319-2081