Implementation of Assembly Bill 134
Introduction
On June 24, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 134, amending California Penal Code 6405. This new law, effective July 1, 2024, enhances the visitation process within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) by addressing document management and allowing specific items for in-person and family visits.
AB 134 requires CDCR to scan certain visitor documents into the Strategic Offender Management System (SOMS) upon request. It also standardizes the list of allowable items visitors can bring during visits, particularly for infants, toddlers, and family visits, ensuring accessibility while maintaining safety and security protocols.
Below, you will find a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about AB 134 to help visitors understand the new guidelines and prepare for their visits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Implementation of Assembly Bill 134 (Amending Penal Code 6405)
General Information
AB 134, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 24, 2023, amends California Penal Code 6405. The bill mandates that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) scan certain documents into the Strategic Offender Management System (SOMS) and allow specific items to be brought during in-person and approved family visits.
The requirements outlined in AB 134 must be implemented by CDCR by July 1, 2024.
Document Scanning
Visitors can request the following documents to be scanned into SOMS:
• Birth certificate for a visiting minor
• Parental consent form for a visiting minor
• Marriage license or domestic partnership form for a family visit
• Birth certificate for a parent or sibling attending a family visit
• Medical note for a visitor
In-Person Visits
Visitors with infants or toddlers (defined as children under 36 months) may bring:
• Up to six factory-sealed single-serving baby formula packets or four transparent bottles/cups with premixed formula, milk, or other beverages
• Breast pump and associated supplies; refrigerated or frozen breastmilk
• Six non-glass containers of baby food or snacks
• Two plastic spoons
• Ten disposable diapers
• One sealed package of baby wipes
• Three changes of clothing
• Two small blankets
• Two pacifiers
• Three burp cloths
• Diaper cream
• A baby carrier or wrap
• A clear plastic diaper bag
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring menstrual hygiene products during visits.
Minors are allowed to bring:
• Two non-battery-operated toys (less than 12 inches in length)
• Two children’s books
• Up to 10 pages of homework or coloring pages
Approved Family Visits
For approved family visits, visitors may bring:
• Personal linens (mattress cover, flat sheet, fitted sheet, single-layer blanket)
• One bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth per person
• A bathmat and disposable shower curtain
• Unopened, sealed lubricant bottles
Items for infants or toddlers include:
• 14 factory-sealed single-serving packets of formula or one factory-sealed container of milk per day
• Two gallons of factory-sealed distilled water
• Six non-glass containers of baby food or snacks per day
• Additional clothing, diapers, and baby-care items as listed for in-person visits
Security and Inspections
Yes, all items are subject to routine inspections to check for contraband and security risks.
Training for CDCR Staff
Yes, wardens will ensure visiting staff, including officers and supervisors, receive training on AB 134 within 90 days of the memorandum’s release. The training is available in the Learning Management System (LMS) under Assembly Bill 134: Visitation – Online – On-the-Job Training – 11064008.
If you have further questions, please reach out to the CDCR Division of Adult Institutions or consult your local facility’s operations manual for additional guidance.