Cortese’s Bill Package to Reduce Recidivism Signed by Governor

SACRAMENTO - Senator Dave Cortese’s (D-Silicon Valley) bills to create a safer prison environment for both inmates and staff, SB 551 & SB 553, were just signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. With a focus on reducing recidivism, these bills will de-escalate tensions and address rehabilitation issues early.

SB 551 puts into state code the principles of “Normality” and “Dynamic Security” with the goal of fostering a safer rehabilitative culture within the California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

SB 553 will expand short-term prison clearance for state leaders, legislators, and legal professionals, enabling more timely oversight, improved access for rehabilitation programming, and stronger accountability within California’s correctional system. This bill is sponsored by “Initiate Justice”, a grassroots organization led by people directly impacted by incarceration. 

“These laws emphasize rehabilitation, transparency, and oversight inside our prisons. Inmate rehabilitation and the health of correctional officers is important, so that people can safely return to their communities and not reoffend,” said Senator Dave Cortese.

In September 2024, Senator Cortese joined a delegation to Norway organized by “Smart Justice”, alongside prison wardens and correctional experts. The delegation met with Norway’s Minister of Justice Emilie Mehl and studied how the country’s focus on human connection and dignity within prisons produces lower recidivism rates and stronger public safety outcomes. Norway taught the delegation centering human connection inside prisons fosters both rehabilitation and public safety.

Karina Lariz, Advocacy and Organizing Associate with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), which supported SB 551, stated in a letter to the Governor, “Normality not only emulates life outside of a facility on the inside, in the most secure manner possible, but prepares individuals for adequate civic engagement. Moreover, Dynamic Security creates a healthier prison environment through the use of ongoing, respectful communication between staff and residents—reducing the risk of stress, violence, and recidivism for greater public safety.”

Key Statistics:

  • Nationally the average life expectancy of a correctional officer is 59-years-old which is 16 years shorter than people who do not work in corrections.
  • About 85 percent of California prison inmates are released into our neighborhoods and re-offenses have been as high as 70 percent in California.
  • 95% of incarcerated individuals will eventually return to their communities.
  • Participation in correctional education programs makes individuals 43% less likely to reoffend.
  • Each year in prison reduces life expectancy by two years.
  • Suicide rates among California’s correctional officers are 39% higher than the national average.

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