ACTION ALERT - AB2761 (Reporting In-custody Deaths) Needs Signed by Governor Newsom
Heidi • September 29, 2022
Bill ensures more timely notification of deaths that occur in California jails & prisons
A recent bi-partisan US Senate report found that the Justice Department is failing to adequately and efficiently collect data about deaths in state prisons and local jails, with at least 990 incidents going uncounted by the federal government in fiscal year 2021 alone across the country. Having access to more timely information on these deaths would give us a tool to ensure each and every life lost in our state prisons and jails is counted.
Currently, deaths of persons while in custody of California correctional facilities are not reported to the public until 1-2 years after they occur. This is an unacceptable delay that stifles transparency and deeply erodes public trust. It also hinders the ability of advocates and communities to fight for policies that would stop future in-custody deaths.
AB 2761, sponsored by Assemblyperson Kevin McCarty (D07), which would ensure more timely public notification of deaths that occur in California jails and prisons by requiring these facilities to post key information about each death within 10 days. The bill passed both houses of the California State Legislature and needs the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom to become law, and he needs to do so in the next two days.
To amplify your support of this common-sense bill on social media, feel free to use some sample tweets below:
@GavinNewsom @CAgovernor Our communities can’t wait 1-2 years for the CA DOJ to post about in-custody deaths. This is an unacceptable delay that stifles transparency and our ability to advocate for policies to stop in-custody deaths. Please sign #AB2761 today!
@GavinNewsom @CAgovernor Undercounting of deaths in custody is a national problem. We have an opportunity to lead the nation by ensuring accurate and timely reporting of deaths to the public. Please sign #AB2761 today! https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/hundreds-prison-jail-deaths-go-uncounted-federal-government-report-fin-rcna47954
@GavinNewsom @CAgovernor #AB 2761 would increase transparency and bring peace to families who have lost loved ones in our state’s prisons and jails. Please sign this bill to give us the information we need as communities and families.
You can also upload the image in this post with your social media post and tag bill sponsors @YoungWomenFree and @AntiRecidivism.
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