Corrections and rehabilitation: state policy.

Senator Cortese's corrections reform legislation redefines the core purpose of California's prison system, establishing that deprivation of liberty alone satisfies sentencing's punitive aims while positioning rehabilitation and successful community reintegration as the essential objectives of incarceration. The bill directs the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to embrace "normalization" - making prison conditions mirror life outside as closely as possible while maintaining security - and "dynamic security" focused on building constructive staff-resident relationships through ongoing communication and interaction.

The legislation mandates that correctional facilities provide comprehensive educational, vocational and rehabilitative programming aligned with residents' individual needs. It requires maintaining family and community connections through visits and communication channels to help incarcerated individuals preserve social roles. The department must partner with community organizations to deliver services and train staff in normalization and dynamic security principles.

For individuals sentenced to life without parole as minors, the bill creates a pathway for sentence review after 15 years served, with additional opportunities at 20 and 24 years if earlier petitions are denied. Courts must consider factors like the defendant's role in the offense, prior record, personal growth and rehabilitation efforts when evaluating resentencing requests. The legislation applies these provisions retroactively to allow review of past sentences.

The measure amends the penal code to formally recognize research showing incarceration's negative health impacts on both corrections staff and residents, including reduced life expectancy and elevated suicide rates. It positions improved communication, mentorship and normalized conditions as mechanisms to create safer facilities while supporting successful reentry.