ACTION ALERT - Help Us Pass AB 2959 - Vending Machine Bill

Yes, we have another Action Alert. The Legislative Process is in full swing, and we're asking our supporters and advocates to do what they do best; advocate for fair, just, sane, and compassionate legislation to improve our criminal justice system and impacted communities.

Assembly Bill 2959, introduced by Assemblyperson Liz Ortega (D20), seeks to reduce and regulate food prices in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) visiting rooms, require CDCR to renew and expand vendor contracts to include healthy options, and offer diverse food choices in prison vending machines. The bill also  State Prisons and each vendor are abiding by necessary regulations, preventing vendors from serving and or providing spoiled food products to the incarcerated population and their families.

The legislation will enhance fairness, affordability, quality and dignity for families of incarcerated persons.

When a loved one is incarcerated, their families are allowed to visit them in person for 2-6 hours up to three times a week (Friday to Sunday). During these visits, families can bring up to $70 per adult and $40 per child to buy snacks and food items. The cost of these food items can be as much as $15 for a single item on a regular visiting day, and up to $35 for a single food item during the holidays.

Along with the elevated cost of food items, families face a limited selection of items, and little to no healthy options are available.  In addition, prices constantly increase and food offered in vending machines is often spoiled due to not being stored at proper temperatures. This can run the risk of food poisoning and/or other food borne illnesses.

AB 2959 will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee tomorrow, Wednesday May 8th. You can show your support for this bill in the following ways:

1. If you represent an organization - please fill out the letter on behalf of your organization.
2. If you would like submit an individual support letter - do so here.  After downloading and editing the template - upload the support letter through the Advocacy Portal here.

  3. Read up on AB 2959 using the AB 2959 Fact Sheet.

  4. Share on your social media networks your support for AB 2959; you can use the graphic included in this blog post.

You'd think it goes without saying, but it bears repeating; the families and friends visiting their incarcerated loved ones shouldn't be subjected to price gouging or, worse, potential foodborne illnesses due to spoiled food offered at CDCR facilities. We hope you can use your tried and true advocacy efforts to bring this impactful, common-sense legislation through the legislative process and become law in California. As always, thank you, thank you for your hard work and tireless voices.