LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Assemblymember Mark González's AB 1645, Assemblymember Bonta's AB 2434, and Assemblymember Bryan's AB 1646 were signed into law by Governor Newsom. As a package, these bills remind us that families act as lifelines for incarcerated individuals, reminding them of a life outside of the system. With the full support of families who have been system-impacted, we create a more responsive system that focuses on hope and humanity.
"After weeks or months apart, incarcerated people and families simply want to reunite normally – hugging, holding hands, running into their mom or dad's arms," said Assemblymember Mark González (D – Los Angeles). "Physical touch is more than a kind gesture; it's human-to-human connection with your loved ones. It gives a person hope, visibility, and even protects the sense of humanity. AB 1645 and the rest of this package are about creating more responsive justice systems that focus on rehabilitation."
"I'm proud we are promoting California values and prioritizing rehabilitation. Visitation reduces recidivism, improves behavior behind bars, and helps people successfully return to their communities," said Assemblymember Mia Bonta. "AB 2434 protects those in prison, protects visitors, and protects our communities. I am grateful for Governor Newsom's signature, which follows years of work led by women and loved ones of incarcerated Californians, promoting dignity and healing for families navigating our prison system."
"True accountability is rooted in healing, and systems that deprive people of their basic humanity have no capacity for healing," said Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D – Los Angeles). "Restoring hugs during visitations for all incarcerated people in California takes us one step closer to what justice should really look like."
What do these laws do?
AB 1645 clarifies the definition of "excessive contact" in state prison visitation rooms. The bill outlines allowed behavior such as handholding, hugging, and holding one's child. Across the state, there is no standard definition or enforcement for "excessive contact," which has led to mass confusion and harsh disciplinary action, including impacting parole. In practice, "excessive contact" can include a mother holding their child or kissing their cheek for just a second too long.
AB 2434 protects in-person visits at correctional facilities by ending invasive searches on visitors, preventing last-minute visit cancellations, and ensuring processes are in place to track denials. When someone travels over 100 miles to visit a loved one in the justice system, it is not fair to just cancel their appointment. This law will ensure our visitation system works and is fair for all those impacted by the system.
AB 1646 ensures that youth in juvenile facilities have the right to interact and hug their loved ones during an in-person visit. Especially for youth in the justice system, maintaining meaningful physical connection with family members and loved ones during visits supports the trauma-responsive, rehabilitative goals of the juvenile justice system and promotes successful reentry and reintegration.
A visit is more than a moment to reunite; it is a chance to be human.
Sponsors of AB 1645 (M.Gonzalez) and AB 2434 (Bonta) said:
"AB 1645, the Humanizing and Uniting Generations Safely Act, just signed by Governor Newsom, is a major step towards a future where safety comes from meeting people's basic, human needs," said KB Bethany, Essie Justice Group member. "It establishes clear guidelines that ensure all visitors and our incarcerated loved ones can engage in healthy, normal, and appropriate physical contact. This law is a lifeline for women with incarcerated loved ones like me, and families like mine. We're grateful to a state legislature that understands that accountability should come with human decency and dignity."
"AB 2434 being signed into law is a win, and a huge relief, to me and the thousands of other women, children, and families visiting our incarcerated loved ones in California prisons," said Anita Wills, Essie Justice Group member. "It sets clear standards across all CDCR facilities so that we will no longer be subjected to harm simply for trying to maintain family connections. After advocating for changes to visitation policies for over 20 years, I will finally be able to visit my son without the dread and fear of experiencing arbitrary and discriminatory denials because of this bill."
"A hug is not a security threat, and holding your child should never be treated as ‘excessive contact,'" said Christina Brown, Co-Founder & CEO, Bridges of Hope. "AB 1645 recognizes how deeply children need meaningful connections with their parents. With this bill signed into law, we are protecting those connections and supporting opportunities for healing, rehabilitation, stronger families, and safer communities."
"For families and their incarcerated loved ones, visiting is the moment they wait for, the chance to hold their children, embrace one another, and simply be together," said Angel Rice, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Restoring Hope California. "No family should travel hours only to face invasive searches, a sudden cancellation, or fear that a hug will be held against the person they came to see. AB 1645 and AB 2434 protect those precious moments, because love and connection are what help people heal and come home whole."
"When you have an incarcerated loved every minute together is precious—and simple acts like a hug or holding hands make all the difference," said Crystal R. Dean, Community Partnerships Manager, Restoring Hope California. "AB 1645 proves that our relationships matter and that incarceration cannot strip away human warmth and dignity. While we celebrate this accomplishment, the real work begins with making sure every prison in California puts these protections into practice."
Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He serves on the Committees on Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, Rules, and Utilities & Energy. He represents the 54th District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.
Essie Justice Group is the nation's leading advocacy organization for women with incarcerated loved ones, taking on the rampant injustices created by mass incarceration. Founded in 2014, Essie organizes the 1 in 4 women and the 1 in 2 Black women in the United States with an incarcerated family member.
CONTACT: Kyle Johnson; Kyle.Johnson@asm.ca.gov; (925) 549-2030
Nina Suh-Toma; Nina.Suh-Toma@asm.ca.gov
