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AB 788

Prisons: facilities for female offenders.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Quirk-Silva

AB 788 directs California to develop specialized prison facilities for female offenders with gender-responsive infrastructure and services addressing women's unique incarceration needs.

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 788

Legislative bill overview

AB 788 would establish new or enhanced facilities specifically designed for female offenders in California's prison system. The bill addresses conditions and infrastructure needs in women's correctional facilities by directing resources toward gender-responsive housing and services.

Why is this important

Women comprise a growing segment of California's incarcerated population, yet facilities have historically been designed with male populations in mind. Specialized facilities can address unique needs including mental health services, reproductive health care, trauma-informed programming, and family visitation arrangements that differ from male-focused institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget priority: Prison construction and facility upgrades are expensive; fiscal committees questioned appropriations, as evidenced by the bill's referral to the suspense file (which typically indicates budget concerns)
  • Incarceration philosophy debate: Some advocates argue resources should prioritize sentencing reform and rehabilitation alternatives rather than expanding prison infrastructure
  • Implementation standards: Unclear whether bill mandates specific programming, staffing ratios, or design standards, or merely authorizes facility development without enforceable requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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