BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 1433 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 3, 2016 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Lorena Gonzalez, Chair SB 1433 (Mitchell) - As Amended May 31, 2016 ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Policy |Public Safety |Vote:|7 - 0 | |Committee: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No SUMMARY: This bill provides that any incarcerated person in the state prison who menstruates must, upon request, have improved access to personal hygiene materials, and contraceptive services, as specified. FISCAL EFFECT: Potential future annual General Fund cost in the range of $190,000 to the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) to provide the counseling services and methods of birth SB 1433 Page 2 control. Annual costs would fluctuate based on the inmate population trends and volume of requests for services and materials. Currently, the Budget includes funding of $632,000 for these services, which assumes 50 percent participation by the female population that is of reproductive age. If this bill results in greater awareness and thus a 30 percent increase in participation, future costs could increase by $190,000, assuming no change in the eligible population. COMMENTS: Background and Purpose. Current law requires that any woman inmate, upon her request, be allowed to continue to use materials necessary for: 1) personal hygiene with regard to her menstrual cycle and reproductive system, and 2) birth control measures as prescribed by her physician. Current law also requires that each and every woman inmate be furnished with information and education regarding the availability of family planning services, and family planning services be provided. In support, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest indicates California's law relating to reproductive healthcare for women are outdated. Current law provides that women who are using birth control may continue using it; however the law does not specify that women who are not using may request to begin use. According to the author, this bill requires the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and CCHCS to provide family planning services upon request, as well as provide that these services be offered between 180 to 60 days prior to an individual's parole release date. Moreover, this bill acknowledges the fact that there are many medical uses for birth control besides preventing pregnancy such as regulating menstrual periods, relieving severe cramps, and treating SB 1433 Page 3 endometriosis. The author states, "SB 1433 will ensure that the health care needs of incarcerated women are improved by providing adequate family planning services upon request and prior to their release date." Analysis Prepared by:Pedro Reyes / APPR. / (916) 319-2081