BILL NUMBER: AB 212 INTRODUCED
BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member DeVore

JANUARY 31, 2005

An act to add Section 6401 to the Penal Code, relating to prisons.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 212, as introduced, DeVore. Prisons: family visits.
Existing law requires any amendments to existing regulations of
the Department of Corrections that impact the visitation of inmates
to recognize and consider the value of visiting. Existing regulations
prohibit overnight family visits for any inmate convicted of a
violent offense involving a minor or family member, as defined.
This bill would prohibit any inmate who is incarcerated for a
violent felony, as defined, from being eligible for an overnight
family visit. The bill would require the department to revise its
regulations to comport with this prohibition by March 1, 2006.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


SECTION 1. Section 6401 is added to the Penal Code , to read:
6401. (a) An inmate who is incarcerated for a violent felony, as
defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5, is not eligible for an
overnight family visit.(b) The Department of Corrections shall revise
its regulations to comport with this section by March 1, 2006.


** I Believe it will be heard on March 4th. **

Well that just sucks!

I'm not sure what's harder right now to read this mean spirited proposed law or to listen to GWB's State of the Union Speech.

I don't think this will ever make it into law it's just mean and short sided.
But I said the same thing about the patriot act so I'm not batting so good latley.

Existing law requires any amendments to existing regulations of
the Department of Corrections that impact the visitation of inmates
to recognize and consider the value of visiting.


I'm confused. Isn't this bill in total oppostion to that? What is the point and what is the benefit? I swear it's something new everyday. :angry:

So what can be done to oppose it? I'm fairly new at this activist thing but I'll write, call, and email to oppose this if someone could point me in the right direction.

Jessica

I'm confused...isn't this what happened to us when they took the Family Visits away from lifers in 1996? Thought that when they took away FV's in 1996 that it already WAS a bill...can somebody clarify?

This totally sucks !! I am just sick!! What's going to happen is there will be new felonies added on with this new bill, like burglary!! It's insaine!! And it can pass, because it reads like the old bill!!

KellyA.



667.5. Enhancement of prison terms for new offenses because of
prior prison terms shall be imposed as follows:
(a) Where one of the new offenses is one of the violent felonies
specified in subdivision (c), in addition to and consecutive to any
other prison terms therefor, the court shall impose a three-year term
for each prior separate prison term served by the defendant where
the prior offense was one of the violent felonies specified in
subdivision (c). However, no additional term shall be imposed under
this subdivision for any prison term served prior to a period of 10
years in which the defendant remained free of both prison custody and
the commission of an offense which results in a felony conviction.
(b) Except where subdivision (a) applies, where the new offense is
any felony for which a prison sentence is imposed, in addition and
consecutive to any other prison terms therefor, the court shall
impose a one-year term for each prior separate prison term served for
any felony; provided that no additional term shall be imposed under
this subdivision for any prison term served prior to a period of five
years in which the defendant remained free of both prison custody
and the commission of an offense which results in a felony
conviction.
(c) For the purpose of this section, "violent felony" shall mean
any of the following:
(1) Murder or voluntary manslaughter.
(2) Mayhem.
(3) Rape as defined in paragraph (2) or (6) of subdivision (a) of
Section 261 or paragraph (1) or (4) of subdivision (a) of Section
262.
(4) Sodomy by force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of
immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person.

(5) Oral copulation by force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of
immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another
person.
(6) Lewd acts on a child under the age of 14 years as defined in
Section 288.
(7) Any felony punishable by death or imprisonment in the state
prison for life.
(8) Any felony in which the defendant inflicts great bodily injury
on any person other than an accomplice which has been charged and
proved as provided for in Section 12022.7 or 12022.9 on or after July
1, 1977, or as specified prior to July 1, 1977, in Sections 213,
264, and 461, or any felony in which the defendant uses a firearm
which use has been charged and proved as provided in Section 12022.5
or 12022.55.
(9) Any robbery.
(10) Arson, in violation of subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 451.

(11) The offense defined in subdivision (a) of Section 289 where
the act is accomplished against the victim's will by force, violence,
duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on
the victim or another person.
(12) Attempted murder.
(13) A violation of Section 12308, 12309, or 12310.
(14) Kidnapping.
(15) Assault with the intent to commit mayhem, rape, sodomy, or
oral copulation, in violation of Section 220.
(16) Continuous sexual abuse of a child, in violation of Section
288.5.
(17) Carjacking, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 215.
(18) A violation of Section 264.1.
(19) Extortion, as defined in Section 518, which would constitute
a felony violation of Section 186.22 of the Penal Code.
(20) Threats to victims or witnesses, as defined in Section 136.1,
which would constitute a felony violation of Section 186.22 of the
Penal Code.
(21) Any burglary of the first degree, as defined in subdivision
(a) of Section 460, wherein it is charged and proved that another
person, other than an accomplice, was present in the residence during
the commission of the burglary.
(22) Any violation of Section 12022.53.
(23) A violation of subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 11418.
The Legislature finds and declares that these specified crimes
merit special consideration when imposing a sentence to display
society's condemnation for these extraordinary crimes of violence
against the person.

Here is the web address you can post your comment to the beast via email.

http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/legcomment/legcomment.asp?bill_number=ab_212&author=devore


KellyA.

Thank you for the link, Kelly. This has me so depressed, I feel like crying. Not because we even have family visits, but just because it feels like every day it's some new fight just to keep what we already have, never mind making things better.... UGH.

Jessica

So if this law does passes and it has to go thru commitees who is left for family visits?
I wouldnt doubt if the author was paid to write this up. And their answer like always budget. This state is going down hill and nothing Arnold can fix anymore. Not unless he has a magic wand!!!
So when this goes to the next level we have to write letters and oppose it. This affects all of us. As a Prison Community we have to get involved. And can't let me do this to us.

Latinlove, I totally agree. I hope we can all get together on some of these issues and not think "Oh well, it doesn't affect me, so who cares?"

I need some idea of how to start taking action, so anyone with pointers is welcome to PM me and let me know how to go about it!

Jessica

So, as it looks right now....they are just trying to simply do away with ALL Family Visits for EVERYONE. With that list, no one is left! I think I'm going to post this on another group I belong to to see if anyone has a legal perspective.

Kelly

Thank you for the link to make comments, you can bet I will be writing in opposition to this tragic mess of a bill. This just punishes the families of the inmates in question and in my opinion is a piece of S*%t legislation.



Here is the web address you can post your comment to the beast via email.

http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/legcomment/legcomment.asp?bill_number=ab_212&author=devore


KellyA.

I don't get family visits because we aren't legally married yet. Even though that is in our future, but I don't see the reasoning behind taking them away from everyone. What about the children? Don't you think they deserve the right to see thier parents? This is rediculous and I am so upset about this.

I'm confused...isn't this what happened to us when they took the Family Visits away from lifers in 1996? Thought that when they took away FV's in 1996 that it already WAS a bill...can somebody clarify?

This would specifically target 1st and 2nd strikers!

This makes me sick... one side is talking about the wonderful new focus on rehabilitation and the other side just does all it can to destroy family ties and yet another incentive for inmates to keep their records clean.

Grrrrrrr!

Well, I, personally, fell victim to this kind of legislation in 1996 when they took them away from lifers. But, in reading through the list of who constitutes a "violent offender" in THEIR terms, it pretty much includes everyone.

My BIGGEST realization was: when they took them away from lifers, their excuse was budget, of course, as well as the contraband that was being brought in. If you look on that list of offenders....DRUG offenses are NOT included!!! Now tell me, if you are in prison for a drug offense, don't you think the chances of finding drugs in prison is likely? Don't you think that some of those drug offenders would TRY to bring in contraband? If they are going to do it, they might as well just include everyone at this point.

My wheels are spinning...I am certainly going to write Assemblyman Devore on this! We need to put a hault to this kind of crap!

Can someone please explain to me exactly what this means?? Are they trying to take away FV for violent offenders?? Or did they already?? My husband is a violent offender, and we get family visits?? Will this take our visits away??

Confused!!!! Please help????

Can someone please explain to me exactly what this means?? Are they trying to take away FV for violent offenders?? Or did they already?? My husband is a violent offender, and we get family visits?? Will this take our visits away??

Confused!!!! Please help????

It will after 03-01-06 if this Assembly person has their way! I have already responded by e-mail and am drafting a written letter as we speak. Where is this Assembly person from? As I stated in my e-mail to them, I am sure that there are more pressing issues that he/she can champion either in his district or the state rather than family visits for inmates. I also intend to write Gloria Romero also. This is just plain stupid. :blah: :blah: :blah:

[B][I][U] This is the Press Release that is on this Assembly persons website. I was mad before but now I am pissed. Who in the H*ll would reach so far as to say that conjugal visits would produce enough babies that it would cause the tax payers a problem. My husband and I take care of our own dam*babies and I guess if you can prove that you will not get on welfare if you get pregnant on a family visit this issue would be moot. I have something that he can do with his social policy! GIVE ME A BREAK! This guy is an idiot and hopefully he will go away and champion another cause because it seems that he just go elected and this could get scary!




Issues: Press Release




Orange County Lawmaker Introduces Conjugal Visits Repeal


2/1/05
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Brian K. O’Neel
(916) 319-2070
(916) 769-0732

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine) today introduced AB 212, a measure that would end conjugal visits for violent felons.

Existing California Department of Corrections regulations prohibit overnight family visits for any inmate convicted of a violent offense against a minor or family member.

AB 212 would prohibit any inmate who is incarcerated for a violent felony (rape, murder, assault with a deadly weapon, theft with a deadly weapon, etc.) from being eligible for a conjugal visit. The bill would also require the California Department of Corrections to revise its conjugal visit regulations by March 1, 2006.

“The primary purpose of prison is punishment,” said DeVore. “Most Californians believe it’s inappropriate for violent convicts to enjoy overnight visits that may result in a pregnancy. It’s bad social policy, and it is unfair to the taxpayers of California, who would likely have to support the prisoner’s family.”

The 70th Assembly District includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, and Tustin.

Isn't that the same rationale they used to take away family visits for lifers? :angry: This is an issure we SERIOUSLY all need to get behind, whether we personally get family visits or not. Otherwise they'll just keep whittling away until we have nothing. (What a pretentious a$$hole to make across-the-board statements like that! ARGH!)

Jessica

I didn't see this link before...I started another one in the CA news section. I'm posting all responses there. THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Wendy

I believe the Assemly memeber is from Anaheim

He's a Republican Assembly Member that covers the Anaheim, Santa Ana, Tustisn, Huntington Beach.

Here's his web site so we can share our opinions with this nice man:blah:

http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=70&lang=1

Here's a lovely update from another forum:

Message: 11
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 15:04:46 -0800 (PST)
From: Mary
Subject: CA -Update on AB 212 Loss of family visiting for violent
offenders

I called the State Capitol and managed to find out who is the
legislative director in charge of this particular bill. Her name is Jaime Huff
and her phone number is (916) 319-2070 for any of you that have
questions. She in turn returned my phone call and I had the opportunity to ask
her questions. This is what she had to say. She said this bill was
introduced on Feb.1st from there it has gone to the Rules committee. They
decide where it goes and when. They have not been notified as of yet
where all that will be. But they believe that it will be sent to Public
Safety. Leno is the chair and Nunez is the speaker for that committee.
She said they have been recieving alot of phone calls in support of this
bill. They were informed that there are episodes of violence during
family visits and children that are born with no source of support. I
asked her if someone had committed a violent felony in their past and were
rearrested for a new non violent charge whether or not this would
affect
them and she said no. That it would only impact those who's current
charge is a violent crime. I talked to her about how visiting and family
visiting has been continuously cut and the impact on our loved ones and
our inmates families and her attitude was that the inmate is at fault
for all of this not them. As soon as I know anything more about where
this bill will go I will make sure to tell all of you. She also did say
that you can go to the legislative website and look up the daily file
and be able to find out information that way.
Mary


This sucks. What happened to the recent "Rehabilitation" love-in? There's "episodes of violence" and "children born with no source of support" everywhere but I don't see any bills going through legislature addressing that! This is just a way to eventually get rid of family visits, period. And once they're gone, as the ladies in the Lifer section will tell you, they ain't coming back....

Jessica

Here's Devores Press Release and Reasons he got constipated and wrote this piece of S*&T.

We can't have pregnant wives of prisoners ending up on welfare now can we, it already cost too much to enforce our crazy sentencing laws and high cost to house a prisoner. (Anyway is'nt the gay sex inside prison satisfactory), why do they need a conjugal visit.

Look pal, just cause you can't get laid don't take it out on our poor prisoners that can. Just RPinSD's opinion.

His Press Release.

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine) today introduced AB 212, a measure that would end conjugal visits for violent felons.

Existing California Department of Corrections regulations prohibit overnight family visits for any inmate convicted of a violent offense against a minor or family member.

AB 212 would prohibit any inmate who is incarcerated for a violent felony (rape, murder, assault with a deadly weapon, theft with a deadly weapon, etc.) from being eligible for a conjugal visit. The bill would also require the California Department of Corrections to revise its conjugal visit regulations by March 1, 2006.

“The primary purpose of prison is punishment,” said DeVore. “Most Californians believe it’s inappropriate for violent convicts to enjoy overnight visits that may result in a pregnancy. It’s bad social policy, and it is unfair to the taxpayers of California, who would likely have to support the prisoner’s family.”

The 70th Assembly District includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, and Tustin.

And one more thing... how does he know that "most Californians believe it's inappropriate"? What poll did he get that off of? The district he represents is statistically very upper-middle-class to just plain wealthy, conservative, and white.... hmm..

Jessica

What will they take away next!

It is so good to hear that finally there is something that has come up to get everyone in here up in arms. Lets all get busy and write the approperiate people and let them hear that we no longer want to take the c**p that the governemnt keeps putting us through. So what if a wife or two get pregnant, look at how many women get pregnant who hasn't a husband in prison. So lets start writting our letters now and also to the newspapers, let the CDC know that we are no longer going to be called a 'Welfare mentality' group, that we can and will fight for our loved ones on every level. This is just another case of mental abuse, not only to the inmates but to their families. We are the only ones who can fight for our loved ones, if we don't nobody else will.

Well said, Jodie. I hope to see all our California girls get on this one - there are a lot of us and if we all made our voices heard, it could really make a difference!

Jessica

This country already heard from. I not only wrote to the jacka$$ that wrote the bill, I wrote to my Assemblyman and asked that he vote NO if and when it came up for a vote. I also sent a copy of my letter to Gloria Romero. This idiocy has to stop.

:broken: I'm not understanding why in the world would these people care about the very small percentage of people that get pregnant during family visits. I mean I know in Corcoran we get a family visit about every 3 months if that, so 4 times a year, if we are lucky and then those that get pregnant going on welfare or being on welfare is a stupid reason to punish all of us that aren't on welfare. Welfare is a way bigger issue in this state, and I bet taking family visits away won't even make the slightest change in tax money being spent on welfare. The majority of women getting pregnant and going on welfare are from men out here, not men busted. Not only that but they are taking a good privilege away from our guys. My man stays out of trouble because he has alot to lose, and his family visits are very important to him. I think inmates need to interact with family and kids, and its part of the rehabilitation. They took it away from lifers, and now they are trying to take it away from the people who are going to be released back into society, they need this interaction with people out here and not just being with all the other inmates. How can that be good for them?????

I hope the CDC doesn't support this cause I think too eventually they will end all family visiting and it will just lose them more jobs as they'll have to eliminate those positions.
:angry::broken: I'm so upset by this, these visits are what me and my husband look forward too, and its just going to make his time harder and seem longer. These people just don't get tired of making our men suffer more and more....

HooRay for all of us who are starting to stand togather to fight this terrible injustice. If we can stand togather on this issue, how many more issues can we stand togather on and start making waves in Sacramento and letting the Govenor and the CDC that we are all sick and tired of all that they get away with our loved ones. WE are a massive group and togather we can move mountains. There are those outside of this site that are trying very hard to change things for the better for those who can't fight for themselves, and we need you and all families of inmates to stand with us and fight. There are estimated to be close to 170,000 people behind bars. If all the families of these thousands of inmates were to mass togather on vital issues, we could break the backs of those who want to hold us all in bondage. We need to be like the those 3 guys in old England "ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL" When we, the families get mad, we are a fierce force to deal with!!!!!!! AMEN

The best thing we can do is write up a petition or a poll on how many women have kids work and have jobs and have husbands that are inmates.
I wonder if they did a research study or where they are getting their information from. I would like to know their statistics

Go For It

Hi all,
I found an existing petition started by CUFJ (Californians United For Justice) that aims to restore visitation back to pre-1995 eligibility rules. It's called the "Family Visiting Restoration" petition and currently has 1,757 signatures. It was started in 2003 to address the reduction of visiting days down to only two. However, I think the wording of it would include the impact that AB212 would have on prisoners and their families. Here's the text of the petition and I've bolded a key point:
We, the undersigned, agree that it is cruel and unusual punishment for all children and family members of the incarcerated to be denied family visits based on political reasons. Prior to 1995 all families were allowed to spend quality time with their incarcerated loved ones. Eligibility to the family visiting program should be based on each individual's current behavior and prior records of any incidends during participation in this program. The safety and security of each institution would benefit by providing this incentive for good behavior, while encouraging families to continue their bond. California Families are worth saving!
Anyway, if you're interested, here's the link to the petition:
http://www.thePetitionSite.com/takeaction/813250060

Hello Everyone,

It's not enough to place your input to Devore. You need to find out who is your Member of assembly and write them too. Mine was Nicole Parra. The site makes it easy to e-mail them so please take that extra step. Oh and if you work, let them know. There biggist claim is how the state cares for the children of the incarcerated per Member DeVore. Wish us all luck. Soneat

When does this bill get approved or denied(God Helping)?

I'm glad I watched that stupid cartoon in grade school and this is from a faded memory so here I go.

The assembly bill may be approved by a majority of the assembly, they can vote to approve, modify or decline. Once it's reached it final version, it goes before various appropriation committees. If they approve it they can move it to the senate for further review and a vote or to the Gov for approval or veto.

Here's how I learned this.:D :D :D

http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset16text.asp

Thanks Kelly, I'll start on my letters tonight. Hope everyone else in here will write their letters too.

Hi All

I finished my 3rd letter today, first one to DeVore :blah: Second to Saldana my district assembly woman and third to Kehoe my district senate. I finished my letter to DeVore with the following.

While I am happy that you do not represent me in my district, should you continue to introduce such mean spirited legislation. I would be more than happy to relocate to your district and participate in any elections that would defeat your bid for an additional term in the assembly.

Hugs and Kisses DORK.

Richard

I think this man is getting bombarded by us.....Everyone keep up the good work.
Find Your Assembly Person (http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset7text.htm)

Ok, I have been trying to post this info all evening!! I did make up a flyer for my husaband to pass along to other inmates who's families do not have internet access. But some how the address' get messed up. :(

Anyway, the first thing to do is write Devore and after that write the Members of the Public Saftey Committee, this is where the Bill will first be heard.

The members are Leno (chair), La Suer ( Vice Chair), Nunez ( Speaker),Chen, Dymally,Goldberg, Ruskin and Spitzer.

The link to their address' and all other Assembly Members is:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/asm-addresses.html

KellyA.

Yay Kelly, this is just what I needed. Thank you so much.

Jessica

RPinSD would those cartoons be Conjuncton Junction and "What is a bill"?

My husband told me that a guy at his facility had his mom write a very spirtied letter that assured the Ass-emblyman among other things, that she would NOT get pregnant on a family visit! She said that she actually cried when she was writing the letter as most of us can attest that other things are done on a family visit as well. Well......some times :o This guys Mom, Dad, Brother and Grandmother come every 6 weeks to visit him. Let's keep this up guys. Our families are just as viable as those that are not affected by incarceration.

Here's some info from an email list I subscribe to:

AB 212 has been assigned by the Rules committee to be heard by the
Public safety committee. Tentatively on March 4th. If you click on the
names it will take you to their individual webpages where you can get their
addresses to write them letters in opposition to this bill. Please
distribute far and wide!

California State Assembly
Committee on Public Safety Mark Leno, Chair
Phone: (916) 319-2013
Jay La Suer, Vice Chair
Phone: (916) 319-2077
Committee phone (916) 319-3744

Committee Members District Phone E-mail
Mark Leno, Chair
Dem-13 (916) 319-2013 Assemblymember.leno@assembly.ca.gov
Jay La Suer, Vice Chair
Rep-77 (916) 319-2077 Assemblymember.Lasuer@assembly.ca.gov
Rebecca Cohn
Dem-24 (916) 319-2024 Assemblymember.Cohn@assembly.ca.gov
Mervyn M. Dymally
Dem-52(916) 319-2052 Assemblymember.dymally@assembly.ca.gov
Jackie Goldberg
Dem-45(916) 319-2045 Assemblymember.Goldberg@assembly.ca.gov
Ira Ruskin
Dem-21(916) 319-2021
Todd Spitzer
Rep-71(916) 319-2071 Assemblymember.spitzer@assembly.ca.gov

Hope everyone spreads the word and WRITES in opposition.

Jessica

This is crazy!!! I get family visits every month but if this goes into effect I won't be able to have visits anymore. I am leaving tomorrow for my 27th family visit and have 22 to go!! But if takes effect in March of 06, then I guess we won't get 8 of them! Budget my butt!!! They blame everything on the budget! How do they expect people to remain a family when they take away all of their visiting time. I know there would still be regular visits, but they have cut those from 4 days to 2 days and if you don't live near your husband then family visits are the only thing that you have to look forward to. This is simply WRONG!!! I will write to anybody that needs to be written to!! A family visit is the closest thing to reality on the outside! They expect these men to be locked up for years and no REAL contact with their family and become upstanding members of society with $200 at the gate and a bus ride to the local station???? I don't understand how they think, and I'm sure that I never will. I think that all married couples should be able to have family visits as long as there was no violence against the family and no record of physical harm to another person. They are taking everything they can away! STUPID!! Where is Sgtannonomys when you need them??? Wonder if the Sgt. knows anything?

knpj

If you don't mind me asking, "What prison is your loved one at where you actually have a family visit once a month?"


KellyA.

If you don't mind me asking, "What prison is your loved one at where you actually have a family visit once a month?"


KellyA. Hi Kelly i'm new to prison talk. Sorry for giving double replies i did it wrong the first time.:eek:

Hello Kelly,

I came out of my family visit yesterday & found this web site after one of the other visitors informed me of us loosing our f/m by next year. I, just like Knpj2000 have them every 30 days. My husband is in Ione. I'm outraged by this S.O.B comments of babies who are conceived in prison ending up on welfare. I am very proud to say that i just had a baby 8wks ago and I also had one almost 4 yrs ago while my husband was also in prison and i'm NOT on Welfare. I have a very good job and take care of my own. Not only providing for my children but for my husband. You better believe it when i say i'm going to write this jerk off & give him a peace of my mind!!! I'll even invite his ass over for dinner so he could see how well my kids are provided for & not on behalf of his damm tax dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!! He doesn't even imagine the damage he is going to cause all the children, wives, mothers & fathers!!

Everyone needs to oppose this bill even if you are not affected by it. The more people we have opposing it the better chance we have of stopping it. We can no longer just fight for the issues that affect us personally, we need to band together and fight each and every issue that affects us and our loved ones. It only takes a few minutes to make your comments. Take a few minutes to write a letter to the public safety commission and have people you know write letters. There is no benefit of this bill other than to isolate our loved ones even more than they already have. Besides the comments made by Mr. DeVore the author are very derogatory towards the families of inmates. Make sure you read it and let them know exactly what you think. Here is the info for the Public Safety Committee:

AB 212 has been assigned by the Rules committee to be heard by the Public safety committee. Tentatively on March 4th. If you click on the names it will take you to their individual webpages where you can get their addresses to write them letters in opposition to this bill.

California State Assembly Committee on Public Safety
Mark Leno, Chair
Phone: (916) 319-2013

Jay La Suer, Vice Chair
Phone: (916) 319-2077

Committee phone (916) 319-3744


Mark Leno, Chair Dem-13 (916) 319-2013 Assemblymember.leno@assembly.ca.gov
Jay La Suer, Vice Chair Rep-77 (916) 319-2077 Assemblymember.Lasuer@assembly.ca.gov
Rebecca Cohn Dem-24 (916) 319-2024 Assemblymember.Cohn@assembly.ca.gov
Mervyn M. Dymally Dem-52 (916) 319-2052 Assemblymember.dymally@assembly.ca.gov
Jackie Goldberg Dem-45 (916) 319-2045 Assemblymember.Goldberg@assembly.ca.gov
Ira Ruskin Dem-21 (916) 319-2021
Todd Spitzer Rep-71 (916) 319-2071 Assemblymember.spitzer@assembly.ca.gov

I have a lot of sample letters from others who have written regarding this bill, if you would like me to email them to you, please contact me.

Thanks
Lana

Hi MsLana: Would you pls send me sample letters? I'm interested in wirting some myself! Thanks!

Bill AB 212 was struck down last year March 2005 unless this is a new bill that I don't know about. Please someone let me know is this something new again or is it the one from last year.

Nothing New

AB212 was defeated last year and no new bill has resurfaced as it was deemed to be grossly abusive to the fundemental benefits that family visits provide.

Richard

Thanks :D

OH BOY!! Had ME going too!! i already had my pen and paper out!! I'm so glad this is old news.....God Bless, Kim

This is a very important bill for all who has loved ones in a CSP, this should be posted in every thread on PTO, especially those in CA. Im sure other states would like to get involved as well. once one does it others seem to follow...Thanks for the link I am definately writing.
Thanks, GOD bless and keep the faith...

oops, I guess we need to pay closer attention to the dates..

thats some bs....im sorry but that just sucks

This is terrible! We should have protests at the offices of all the legislators, publicizing what is wrong with this in a well-written leaflet. I too fell victim to the 1996 cut. this is just a way to take family visits away from everyone. I got my daughter from a family visit!

did this get approved????

anything new on this lately?

Jill currently there is as petition circulating to re-establish family visits in the State of California for all inmates accept those who are death row. I pray hope against hope that they are re-instating this privilege in order to facilitate and promote family relationships.

How can I sign the petition?

ok i was scrolling through the posts and stumbled onto one that mentions something about NO family visits in California right now. i'm not going to panic until someone replies and confirms or gives me a little more insight. family visits was our only hope of having my husband (in Wasco currently for reception) stay connected with our daughter who's just ten months old. He's been locked up since April of 2005 so that means he missed out on my pregnancy, her birth, and now our hope of the family visit so that he won't have to be a total stranger to our daughter, is crushed too?! WHERE DO I SIGN THIS PETITION ALSO? I AM WILLING TO PERSONALLY GET MORE SIGNATURES FOR THIS CAUSE TOO, IF THAT'S NEEDED.

Definitely don't panic--there are still family visits in California. The problem is that there aren't family visits for everyone. Currently no lifers are allowed family visits--there was a petition going around several months ago trying to get something on the ballot this November to give lifers back their visits, but it wasn't successful in getting on the ballot. However there are currently no proposed changes (that I know of, at least!) to the current rules.

There are people other than lifers who also do not get family visits due to the nature of their offense/their sentence, but I'm afraid I don't know the exact criteria. I'm fairly certain that if you are in for domestic violence or are considered a sex offender then you can't have any FVs. I'm sure there are other rules as well. If, based on this information, you think your husband should be eligible, then he will need to talk to his counselor once he is mainlined and out of reception.

I hope that helps.


ok i was scrolling through the posts and stumbled onto one that mentions something about NO family visits in California right now. i'm not going to panic until someone replies and confirms or gives me a little more insight. family visits was our only hope of having my husband (in Wasco currently for reception) stay connected with our daughter who's just ten months old. He's been locked up since April of 2005 so that means he missed out on my pregnancy, her birth, and now our hope of the family visit so that he won't have to be a total stranger to our daughter, is crushed too?! WHERE DO I SIGN THIS PETITION ALSO? I AM WILLING TO PERSONALLY GET MORE SIGNATURES FOR THIS CAUSE TOO, IF THAT'S NEEDED.

oh ok. i guess we'll have a chance of getting approved since none of the issues you mentioned applies to my husband. would getting approved for visits initially be a good start at getting approved for family visits?

Definitely--have your husband send you the visiting form you need to send back for approval if you haven't already done this. It can take a while to get approved, so you want to get on that as quickly as possible if you haven't already. And let your husband know to ask his counselor about his family visit eligibility as soon as he gets to his mainline location. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

JMK

oh ok. i guess we'll have a chance of getting approved since none of the issues you mentioned applies to my husband. would getting approved for visits initially be a good start at getting approved for family visits?

I was wondering if anyone else is working on getting family visits back for lifers since it didnt make it to the Novermber ballot. If you are still working on this please let me know. I am very interested.
thanks

wait! so there's 2 different visiting forms that i'll need to fill out? would i send the visiting forms back to my husband or to the person who'll be approving/denying it? and will there be an address on the visiting form to let me know where to send to if it's not to my husband? i have another question but it's not related to visiting forms. i will be taking our 10 month old daughter along to visit once approved and i haven't gotten any response in regards to whether i'll be allowed to take a stroller, diaper bag, formulas, all necessary items needed for care of baby. please inform and advise if you have any knowledge on the matter in question.

thank you in advance.

go to cdcr.com, the corrections homepage, and find the visiting rules. It tells you exactly what is allowed to be brought to a visit. Or check the visiting forum here for a link as well.

my husband and i are hoping to get family visit to hopefully have a baby because he's only 3 yrs into his 21yr sentence but we haven't been able to because he is on a close a status does anyone know what that means

wait! so there's 2 different visiting forms that i'll need to fill out? would i send the visiting forms back to my husband or to the person who'll be approving/denying it? and will there be an address on the visiting form to let me know where to send to if it's not to my husband? i have another question but it's not related to visiting forms. i will be taking our 10 month old daughter along to visit once approved and i haven't gotten any response in regards to whether i'll be allowed to take a stroller, diaper bag, formulas, all necessary items needed for care of baby. please inform and advise if you have any knowledge on the matter in question.

thank you in advance.

you can send the forms to the visitng sergeant at his prison, the address is on the form. or you can send it directly to your husband. when they search the mail, they pull out the forms. be sure to be completely honest about everything on the form. they will find everything out and will deny you for withholding something or misrepresenting your past. just FYI....

An inmate serving a sentence of more than 15 years requires a minimum of one year Close A custody , followed by a minimum of four years Close B custody. Family visits are prohibited for inmates on Close A or Close B custody. Close custody inmates are under greater restrictions regarding their ability to access programs due to the length of time they have to serve ( possibility of escape, etc. ).