California's Mandela Act Can Change the Inhumane Practice of Solitary Confinement

On this episode of the De-Bug the System Podcast, we discuss California's Mandela Act (AB 280) and the history of solitary confinement in California and how this new law, if passed, will end the inhumane practice. We will listen to excerpts from a recent rally in Sacramento, CA where people from around the state came together to demand that Governor Newsome sign AB 280 into law. Today's episode features Jose and Melissa from De-Bug who have been a part of this legislation push for AB 280. Our host is De-Bug organizer Xavier.

More about California's Mandela Act (AB 280):
Historically, solitary confinement in California has been used indefinitely on our loved ones in CDCR due to gang allegations, confidential information and social justice/political beliefs. This all changed in 2015 after 30,000 incarcerated people went on a historic hunger strike to end indefinite solitary confinement based solely on gang allegations, not conduct, sentencing or due process. The hunger strikes were followed by the Ashker V Governor Brown settlement. Although changes have been made, solitary confinement is still being used for long periods of time against our people. AB 280, the California Mandela Act has already made its rounds through legislation and is currently waiting on the governor to sign. Join us with folks statewide to raise the governor’s attention to sign the bill! If he does, AB 280 WILL:

• Ban solitary confinement for specific populations including
  • Individuals with mental, physical and developmental disabilities
  • Pregnant people
  • People under 26 or over 59 years old
• Limit the use of solitary confinement in jails, prisons and private immigration detention facilities.
• Sets limits for confinement to not more than 15 consecutive days, or 20 days total in any 60-day period
• Requires facilities to keep clear records on the use of solitary confinement in order to provide public transparency
• Defines segregated confinement in California law

AB 280 does not eliminate individual housing when appropriate or necessary including after the 15-day solitary confinement limit. Instead, the bill allows individuals to be held in alternative housing units including transition pods or residential rehabilitation units if and when appropriate to ensure their safety and the safety of others, with access to out of cell time and support services.