The 2011 Realignment of Adult Felony Populations: Results and Key Takeaways

Jun 30, 2026 - Over this period, the state constructed 22 new prisons, as well as additional housing at some of its 12 pre‑existing prisons—more than doubling the design capacity of the prison system. (Design capacity generally refers to the number of beds the state prison system would operate if it housed only one person per cell and did not use temporary beds, such as housing people in gyms.)
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5191

Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - For example, prison infrastructure could be a limiting factor, as some prisons in easier ‑to ‑recruit areas may lack the appropriate space to house more mental health patients (such as sufficient housing units with medication distribution rooms to house the EOP population).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134

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

Feb 23, 2026 - Most people in prison with a mental health need can be treated in an outpatient setting, meaning they live in a prison housing unit and receive regular mental health treatment but do not require 24‑hour care.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137