In response to scores of complaints from San Bernardino County Jail prisoners, the Prison Law Office conducted an extensive investigation into jail conditions in that county.  The Prison Law Office then notified the San Bernardino Sheriff that jail staff were injuring prisoners through excessive force, discriminating against prisoners with disabilities, failing to provide adequate healthcare, and failing to protect prisoners from violence from other prisoners.  The Prison Law Office is now working with the Sheriff and other County officials on a plan to address these dangerous jail conditions.

Governor Brown signed SB 261 into law, extending Youth Offender Parole up to age 23. Thousands of young adults in California prisons now have a real chance at coming home. Senate Bill 261 extends youth parole through age 22, recognizing that young people deserve a second chance. It builds on the capacity of young people to turn their lives around and not be defined by the worst thing they have ever done. Please see Youth Offender Parole Guide  for more information about this law.

Prison Law Office has been corresponding with a number of transgender people in California prisons.  We hope to better understand and help advocate for safer conditions.  We will continue to learn from transgender people in prison about issues they are facing and work with them on acknowledging and enforcing their rights under federal law and the Prison Rape Elimination Act national standards.

In a case against the Fresno Jail, the Prison Law Office, Cooley LLP, and Disability Rights California filed a settlement agreement today that addresses dangerous conditions for prisoners.

A federal court has prohibited the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from placing disabled prisoners in administrative segregation instead of in accessible cells or beds.