Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the highest paying state for psychologists with the average hourly wage at $64 per hour, whereas psychologists nationwide earned a median of $53 per hour (21  percent less).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134

The 2026-27 Budget: Estimated State Savings From Proposition 47

Feb 23, 2026 - DOF then modifies these estimates based on updated data as part of the May Revision. Some Provisions in Proposition  36 (2024) Reduce the State Savings Attributable to Proposition  47. Proposition  36, approved by the voters in November 2024, increased punishment for various drug and theft crimes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5108

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

Feb 23, 2026 - During a tele ‑mental health visit in prison, an incarcerated patient is escorted to a medical room within the prison where they communicate via audio and video with the mental health provider over a secure network.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137