Emergency regulations will limit use of restricted housing, expand access to rehabilitative programs, and consolidate units, among other things
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) this week filed emergency regulations with the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) to reform its use of Restricted Housing.
The proposed regulations have significant changes, including the reduction in the number of RHU programs from six to three. Additionally, the number of offenses resulting in RHU terms will be reduced from 34 to 19, which means offenses eligible for an RHU term will be only those involving violence or threats of violence, including possession of weapons. Also, there will also be a standardized out of cell time to a minimum of 20 hours per week, as well as increased access to rehabilitative programming opportunities.
“We are proud to announce a significant step forward in our commitment to reduce the use of restricted housing by proposing common sense changes that maintain public and institution safety, while also continuing to create an environment that focuses and pushes personal support and rehabilitation,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber.
On September 29, 2022, Governor Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 2632, and directed CDCR to refine and reform the use of restricted housing.
OAL will accept and consider public comment received through October 14. These emergency regulations will apply to all incarcerated individuals and are expected to go into effect on November 1, 2023. Pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act process, CDCR will submit permanent regulations for review, to include a public hearing and opportunity for public comment.
For more information about Restricted Housing, click here: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/adult-operations/restricted-housing/
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