Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - Operating excess inpatient beds at this scale costs the state over $200 million each year and requires that the state maintain many mental health positions more than the projections show are necessary.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134

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

Feb 23, 2026 - While this is a modest increase, Figure  7 shows that costs for mental health have increased by over $100  million since 2023 ‑24. Coleman Court Monitoring Prison Mental Health Care Since 1990 Federal Court Found State Provided Inadequate Prison Mental Health Care.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137