Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed closing another California state prison by October 2026, marking the fifth closure since he took office. This decision is part of his new budget proposal, which aims to address a projected $12 billion deficit. The closure is expected to save about $150 million annually from the General Fund, according to the Davis Vanguard.
Despite the recent implementation of Proposition 36, which is anticipated to temporarily increase the prison population, Newsom remains committed to reducing the number of operational prisons. Proposition 36, passed in November 2024, increases penalties for certain drug and theft offenses. However, the Legislative Analyst’s Office suggests that the impact on the prison population may be overestimated.
The proposed closure aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce incarceration rates and reinvest in community programs. Advocates, including California United for a Responsible Budget (CURB), have expressed cautious optimism about the closure. Amber-Rose Howard, Executive Director of CURB, stated, “I’m relieved that Governor Newsom has taken a step in the right direction by announcing an additional prison will close in 2026.”
The budget proposal, which was revised in May, also includes a reduction of $700 million in funding for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), building on a $493 million cut proposed earlier in January. Newsom’s plan reflects a broader strategy to address fiscal challenges while maintaining a focus on public safety and justice reform.
The administration projects that the prison population will resume its long-term decline after 2025-26, suggesting that additional prison closures may be necessary in the future. Advocates urge the state to ensure that closed facilities are not left in “warm shutdown” status, which could waste public funds and leave them vulnerable to federal takeover as migrant detention centers.
Recent Comments