Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield has introduced Senate Bill 311, seeking to amend housing conditions in California's women’s correctional facilities. The bill mandates separate housing for transgender women within women's prisons, responding to safety and security concerns among biological female inmates.

The legislation empowers the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to create secure accommodations at the California Institution for Women and the Central California Women’s Facility. These measures aim to safeguard female inmates' privacy while accommodating transgender women. Moreover, the bill prevents transgender inmates with certain sexual offense convictions under the Sex Offender Registration Act from residing in women’s prisons.

“SB 311 is a direct response to the alarming reality that women are being assaulted and raped in our California women’s prisons,” stated Senator Shannon Grove. She added that the bill intends to curb such incidents by limiting facility transfers based solely on gender identification. “By establishing secure housing, we can stop these horrific attacks, protect the most vulnerable, and restore a sense of security for women behind bars.”

Support for SB 311 includes backing from Woman II Woman, with founder Amie Ichikawa acknowledging the initiative's efforts to manage a multifaceted issue. “We are proud to stand behind SB 311, which takes a thoughtful and balanced approach to a complex issue,” Ichikawa said. She emphasized its importance for the safety and privacy of biological women, while also ensuring suitable conditions for transgender women.

CDCR is obligated under current law to counter sexual violence and ensure inmate safety through various educational means. SB 311 is presented as a response to reported cases of assault, rape, and other concerns, proposing a structured approach to prison safety.

Senator Grove highlighted the preventive nature of the bill, aiming to sustain equitable conditions in women’s correctional facilities. “This is about protecting vulnerable populations on all sides and ensuring our prisons operate with both compassion and common sense,” she stated.

SB 311 is now under evaluation by the California State Legislature, with hearings anticipated in the near future.