The 2026-27 Budget: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Feb 23, 2026 - We recommend that the Legislature direct the department to report in spring budget hearings on what specific steps it is taking in the current year and is considering or planning to take in the budget year to free up funding to address the shortfall, the size of the shortfall, and what unbudgeted costs currently makeup the shortfall.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137

The 2024-25 Budget: Judicial Branch

Feb 23, 2024 - For example, county law libraries —generally supported by a share of civil filing fees —provide free access to legal books and publications to county residents, State Bar members, and certain governmental officials.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4848

The 2025-26 Budget: Update on Implementation of New Firearm and Ammunition Tax

Feb 19, 2025 - Providing an amount less than $75  million annually could still provide CalVIP with a sizeable increase in stable funding —while freeing up some monies to support lower priority Chapter  231 programs, such as those at the judicial branch or DOJ.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4970

Assessing Community College Programs at State Prisons

Jul 1, 2024 - Students apply for a waiver by completing a CCC application (known as the “Community College Promise Grant Application ”) or a federal application (known as the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid ” or FAFSA).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4913

Promoting Equity in the Parole Hearing Process

Jan 5, 2023 - About four to five months before their hearing, BPH appoints an attorney for candidates who do not hire a private attorney or receive free services from a private attorney. Private attorneys that provide free services are often affiliated with nonprofit organizations specializing in parole hearings.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4658

The 2023-24 Budget: Sexual Assault Evidence Kits Testing Mandate

Feb 27, 2023 - Additionally, as noted above, DOJ does not charge for testing —which could reduce costs as long as services continue to be free. Costs would increase if DOJ started charging for services. Testing costs could also increase or decrease in the future based on forensic testing processes and available technology.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4714

The 2024-25 Budget: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Feb 22, 2024 - CDCR Is Required to Provide Free Voice Calling to People in Prison. Chapter  827 of 2022 (S B  1008 , Becker) specifies that CDCR shall provide accessible, functional voice calls free of charge. On January 1, 2023, CDCR began implementing this requirement by paying all charges accrued for voice calls.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4852

State Corrections: Response to COVID-19

May 8, 2020 - DJJ has suspended visitations and instead has begun to provide youth with an ability to make video calls and additional free phone calls. Individuals who are allowed to enter the facility, such as DJJ staff, undergo the same screening process utilized by the prisons.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4229

The 2023-24 Budget: The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Feb 16, 2023 - The 2021 ‑22 Budget Act provided $12  million General Fund to pay for an additional 60 minutes of voice calling every two weeks, as well as 60 free electronic messages per month, for each person in prison.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4686

The 2023-24 California Spending Plan: Judiciary and Criminal Justice

Oct 16, 2023 - Other major adjustments include: $28.8  million ongoing General Fund to provide people in prison with free voice calling as required by Chapter  827 of 2022 (SB  1008, Becker). $26.8  million ongoing increase in Inmate Welfare Fund authority to allow CDCR to receive a projected increase in revenues from prison canteens (stores where people in prison can purchase various items).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4805