Gov. Gavin Newsom has made strides in criminal justice reform by placing a moratorium on the death penalty and closing three prisons since 2019. Calls from advocates and lawmakers to close more penitentiaries are being resisted by the administration, citing the need to accommodate fluctuating inmate populations, enhance rehabilitation programs, and prevent overcrowding. Newsom, known for his progressive stance on criminal justice, finds himself in a difficult position with differing opinions among Californians.
Sen. Steven Bradford and Assemblymember Mia Bonta, members of the Legislative Black Caucus, support closing more prisons to invest in rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. The Legislative Analyst’s Office suggests that closing five additional prisons could save the state up to $1 billion annually. However, Sen. Roger Niello disagrees with more closures, citing uncertainties about crime rates and potential population increases in the future.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s budget consumes a significant portion of the state’s funds, with costs declining due to a shrinking prison population. Despite concerns about potential challenges and the necessity of providing meaningful activities for inmates, the department is under pressure to trim its budget further. Advocates, including Californians United For a Responsible Budget, are calling for the closure of more prisons to repurpose land and reinvest in communities affected by prison closures.
Various ballot measures have contributed to reducing the number of inmates, with the population projected to continue declining over the next several years. While the closure of three state prisons is expected to save the state hundreds of millions of dollars, there are ongoing debates about how many more prisons should be closed. Lawmakers are exploring ways to cut costs and address the shortage of correctional officers while considering the impacts of closures on local communities.
While the Newsom administration and lawmakers are discussing potential budget cuts and additional prison closures, there are concerns about the politicization of these decisions and the impact on communities where prisons are located. The Senate budget subcommittee on public safety is exploring options for more closures and budget reductions, with a focus on addressing areas of waste and inefficiency. As California grapples with budget shortfalls and the need for criminal justice reform, the debate over closing more prisons is likely to continue.
