BILL NUMBER: AB 1013	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 2, 2009

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Block

                        FEBRUARY 27, 2009

   An act to add Section 3021 to the Penal Code, relating to
corrections.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 1013, as amended, Block. Corrections: veteran inmates.
   Existing law generally regulates the imprisonment of inmates in
state prisons.
   This bill would require the Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation to conduct an interdisciplinary assessment of new
inmates who have combat experience with the United States military,
or are on active duty, reserve, or national guard status, and to
develop specialized treatment protocols for those inmates.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


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

  SECTION 1.  Section 3021 is added to the Penal Code, to read:
   3021.  It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize the
particular  mental and  physical  and mental
 factors  , including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, 
that impact men and women who have served in the Armed Forces and
who are sentenced to state prison.
   (a) On or before July 1, 2010, the Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation shall conduct an interdisciplinary assessment of new
inmates who have combat experience with the United States military,
or are on active duty, reserve, or national guard status.
   (b) The interdisciplinary assessment shall supplement and confirm
data collected at any presentencing assessment.
   (c) During the reception of an inmate specified in subdivision
(a), an assessment of the inmate shall be conducted that shall
include, but not be limited to, consideration of  which of
 the following:
   (1) Any history of substance abuse.
   (2) Criminal activity, including, but not limited to, gang
involvement.
   (3) Education, including, but not limited to, educational
attainment, vocational training, and related skills.
   (4) Family background, including, but not limited to, family
structure and relationships.
   (5) Social functioning, including, but not limited to, employment
history, social skills, and religious affiliations and involvement.
   (6) Medical and mental health status, including, but not limited
to, dental issues and physical disabilities or impairments. 
   (7) Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 
   (d) The department shall employ an interdisciplinary team to
conduct unit management reviews of the assessments and relevant data.
In performing those reviews, based upon the needs of the inmate and
in accordance with department programs and policies, the teams shall
seek input from appropriate professionals, including, but not limited
to:
   (1) Social workers.
   (2) Correctional counselors.
   (3) Educational counselors.
   (4) Vocational counselors.
   (5) Psychologists.
   (6) Physician's assistants or physicians.
   (7) Mental health counselors.
   (e) Based upon the data collected at the assessments, the
department shall develop specialized treatment protocols for inmates
specified in subdivision (a).