Article 1 - Civil Rights

California Penal Code — §§ 2600-2607

Sections (9)

Amended (as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 462) by Stats. 2011, Ch. 665, Sec. 1.5. (AB 1114) Effective January 1, 2012.

(a)A person sentenced to imprisonment in a state prison or to imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 may during that period of confinement be deprived of such rights, and only such rights, as is reasonably related to legitimate penological interests.
(b)Nothing in this section shall be construed to overturn the decision in Thor v. Superior Court, 5 Cal. 4th 725.

Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 886, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1997.

Subject only to the provisions of that section, each person described in Section 2600 shall have the following civil rights:

(a)Except as provided in Section 2225 of the Civil Code, to inherit, own, sell, or convey real or personal property, including all written and artistic material produced or created by the person during the period of imprisonment. However, to the extent authorized in Section 2600, the Department of Corrections may restrict or prohibit sales or conveyances that are made for business purposes.
(b)To correspond, confidentially, with any member of the State Bar or holder of public office, provided that the prison authorities may open and inspect incoming mail to search for contraband.
(c)(1) To purchase, receive, and read any and all newspapers, periodicals, and books accepted for distribution by the United States Post Office. Pursuant to this section, prison authorities may exclude any of the following matter:

(A) Obscene publications or writings, and mail containing information concerning where, how, or from whom this matter may be obtained.

(B) Any matter of a character tending to incite murder, arson, riot, violent racism, or any other form of violence.

(C) Any matter concerning gambling or a lottery.

(2)Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the right of prison authorities to do the following:
(A)Open and inspect any and all packages received by an inmate.
(B)Establish reasonable restrictions as to the number of newspapers, magazines, and books that the inmate may have in his or her cell or elsewhere in the prison at one time.
(d)To initiate civil actions, subject to a three dollar ($3) filing fee to be collected by the Department of Corrections, in addition to any other filing fee authorized by law, and subject to Title 3a (commencing with Section 391) of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(e)To marry.
(f)To create a power of appointment.
(g)To make a will.
(h)To receive all benefits provided for in Sections 3370 and 3371 of the Labor Code and in Section 5069.

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 76, Sec. 157. (AB 383) Effective January 1, 2014.

(a)Except as provided in subdivision (b), no person sentenced to imprisonment or housed in a state prison shall be administered any psychiatric medication without his or her prior informed consent.
(b)If a psychiatrist determines that an inmate should be treated with psychiatric medication, but the inmate does not consent, the inmate may be involuntarily treated with the medication. Treatment may be given on either a nonemergency basis as provided in subdivision (c), or on an emergency or interim basis as provided in subdivision (d).
(c)The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation may seek to initiate involuntary medication on a nonemergency basis only if all of the following conditions have been

met:

(1)A psychiatrist has determined that the inmate has a serious mental disorder.
(2)A psychiatrist has determined that, as a result of that mental disorder, the inmate is gravely disabled and does not have the capacity to refuse treatment with psychiatric medications or is a danger to self or others.
(3)A psychiatrist has prescribed one or more psychiatric medications for the treatment of the inmate’s disorder, has considered the risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives to involuntary medication, and has determined that the treatment alternatives to involuntary medication are unlikely to meet the needs of the patient.
(4)The inmate has been advised of the risks and benefits of, and treatment alternatives to, the psychiatric medication and

refuses or is unable to consent to the administration of the medication.

(5)The inmate is provided a hearing before an administrative law judge.
(6)The inmate is provided counsel at least 21 days prior to the hearing, unless emergency or interim medication is being administered pursuant to subdivision (d), in which case the inmate would receive expedited access to counsel. The hearing shall be held not more than 30 days after the filing of the notice with the Office of Administrative Hearings, unless counsel for the inmate agrees to extend the date of the hearing.
(7)The inmate and counsel are provided with written notice of the hearing at least 21 days prior to the hearing, unless emergency or interim medication is being administered pursuant to subdivision (d), in which case the inmate would receive an expedited

hearing. The written notice shall do all of the following:

(A)Set forth the diagnosis, the factual basis for the diagnosis, the basis upon which psychiatric medication is recommended, the expected benefits of the medication, any potential side effects and risks to the inmate from the medication, and any alternatives to treatment with the medication.
(B)Advise the inmate of the right to be present at the hearing, the right to be represented by counsel at all stages of the proceedings, the right to present evidence, and the right to cross-examine witnesses. Counsel for the inmate shall have access to all medical records and files of the inmate, but shall not have access to the confidential section of the inmate’s central file which contains materials unrelated to medical treatment.
(C)Inform the inmate of his or her

right to contest the finding of an administrative law judge authorizing treatment with involuntary medication by filing a petition for writ of administrative mandamus pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, and his or her right to file a petition for writ of habeas corpus with respect to any decision of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to continue treatment with involuntary medication after the administrative law judge has authorized treatment with involuntary medication.

(8)An administrative law judge determines by clear and convincing evidence that the inmate has a mental illness or disorder, that as a result of that illness the inmate is gravely disabled and lacks the capacity to consent to or refuse treatment with psychiatric medications or is a danger to self or others if not medicated, that there is no less intrusive alternative to involuntary medication, and that the medication is in the inmate’s best

medical interest. Failure of the department to provide timely or adequate notice pursuant to this section shall be excused only upon a showing of good cause and the absence of prejudice to the inmate. In making this determination, the administrative law judge may consider factors, including, but not limited to, the ability of the inmate’s counsel to adequately prepare the case and to confer with the inmate, the continuity of care, and, if applicable, the need for protection of the inmate or institutional staff that would be compromised by a procedural default.

(9)The historical course of the inmate’s mental disorder, as determined by available relevant information about the course of the inmate’s mental disorder, shall be considered when it has direct bearing on the determination of whether the inmate is a danger to self or others, or is gravely disabled and incompetent to refuse medication as the result of a mental disorder.
(10)An inmate is entitled to file one motion for reconsideration following a determination that he or she may receive involuntary medication, and may seek a hearing to present new evidence, upon good cause shown.
(d)This section does not prohibit a physician from taking appropriate action in an emergency. An emergency exists when there is a sudden and marked change in an inmate’s mental condition so that action is immediately necessary for the preservation of life or the prevention of serious bodily harm to the inmate or others, and it is impractical, due to the seriousness of the emergency, to first obtain informed consent. If psychiatric medication is administered during an emergency, the medication shall only be that which is required to treat the emergency condition and shall be administered for only so long as the emergency continues to exist. If the Department of Corrections

and Rehabilitation’s clinicians identify a situation that jeopardizes the inmate’s health or well-being as the result of a serious mental illness, and necessitates the continuation of medication beyond the initial 72 hours pending the full mental health hearing, the department shall give notice to the inmate and his or her counsel of the department’s intention to seek an ex parte order to allow the continuance of medication pending the full hearing. The notice shall be served upon the inmate and counsel at the same time the inmate is given the written notice that the involuntary medication proceedings are being initiated and is appointed counsel as provided in subdivision (c). The order may be issued ex parte upon a showing that in the absence of the medication the emergency conditions are likely to recur. The request for an ex parte order shall be supported by an affidavit from the psychiatrist showing specific facts. The inmate and the inmate’s appointed counsel shall have two business days to respond to

the department’s ex parte request to continue interim medication, and may present facts supported by an affidavit in opposition to the department’s request. An administrative law judge shall review the ex parte request and shall have three business days to determine the merits of the department’s request for an ex parte order. If an order is issued, the psychiatrist may continue the administration of the medication until the hearing described in paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) is held.

(1)The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall file with the Office of Administrative Hearings, and serve on the inmate and his or her counsel, the written notice described in paragraph (7) of subdivision (c) within 72 hours of commencing medication pursuant to this subdivision, unless either of the following occurs:
(A)The inmate gives informed consent to continue the medication.
(B)A psychiatrist determines that the psychiatric medication is not necessary and administration of the medication is discontinued.
(2)If medication is being administered pursuant to this subdivision, the hearing described in paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) shall commence within 21 days of the filing and service of the notice, unless counsel for an inmate agrees to a different period of time.
(3)With the exception of the timeline provisions specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) for providing notice and commencement of the hearing pursuant to the conditions specified in this subdivision, the inmate shall be entitled to and be given the same due process protections as specified in subdivision (c). The department shall prove the same elements supporting the involuntary administration of psychiatric medication and the

administrative law judge shall be required to make the same findings described in subdivision (c).

(e)The determination that an inmate may receive involuntary medication shall be valid for one year from the date of the determination, regardless of whether the inmate subsequently gives his or her informed consent.
(f)If a determination has been made to involuntarily medicate an inmate pursuant to subdivision (c) or (d), the medication shall be discontinued one year after the date of that determination, unless the inmate gives his or her informed consent to the administration of the medication, or unless a new determination is made pursuant to the procedures set forth in subdivision (g).
(g)To renew an existing order allowing involuntary medication, the department shall file with the Office of Administrative

Hearings, and shall serve on the inmate and his or her counsel, a written notice indicating the department’s intent to renew the existing involuntary medication order.

(1)The request to renew the order shall be filed and served no later than 21 days prior to the expiration of the current order authorizing involuntary medication.
(2)The inmate shall be entitled to, and shall be given, the same due process protections as specified in subdivision (c).
(3)Renewal orders shall be valid for one year from the date of the hearing.
(4)An order renewing an existing order shall be granted based on clear and convincing evidence that the inmate has a serious mental disorder that requires treatment with psychiatric medication, and that, but for the medication,

the inmate would revert to the behavior that was the basis for the prior order authorizing involuntary medication, coupled with evidence that the inmate lacks insight regarding his or her need for the medication, such that it is unlikely that the inmate would be able to manage his or her own medication and treatment regimen. No new acts need be alleged or proven.

(5)If the department wishes to add a basis to an existing order, the department shall give the inmate and the inmate’s counsel notice in advance of the hearing via a renewal notice or supplemental petition. Within the renewal notice or supplemental petition, the department shall specify what additional basis is being alleged and what qualifying conduct within the past year supports that additional basis. The department shall prove the additional basis and conduct by clear and convincing evidence at a hearing as specified in subdivision (c).
(6)The hearing on any petition to renew an order for involuntary medication shall be conducted prior to the expiration of the current order.
(h)Pursuant to Section 5058, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall adopt regulations to fully implement this section.
(i)In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this section and the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11400) of Part 1 of Division 3 of the Government Code), this section shall control.

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 330, Sec. 1. (SB 820) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.

(a)Notwithstanding Section 2603, if an individual has been found incompetent to stand trial after having been charged with a misdemeanor offense, as described in Section 1370.01,

and is confined in the county jail, antipsychotic medication may be administered without their prior informed consent only in the following circumstances:

(1)An emergency, as defined by either subdivision (m) of Section 5008 of the Welfare and Institutions Code or subdivision (d) of Section 2603 of the Penal Code.
(A)In the case of an emergency, antipsychotic medication may, despite the individual’s objection, be administered before a capacity hearing if the medication is necessary to address the emergency condition and is administered in the least restrictive manner, only for the duration of the emergency, and in no case for more than 72 hours, except as provided by subparagraph (B).
(B)If a

psychiatrist determines that continued administration of antipsychotic medication is necessary beyond the initial 72 hours and the individual does not consent to take the medication voluntarily, the psychiatrist may petition the superior court in the county where the individual is confined to order continued treatment with antipsychotic medication. The petition and a written notice, as described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), shall be filed within the initial 72-hour period that the antipsychotic medication is administered and served on the individual and their counsel.

(2)(A) Upon a court’s determination that the

individual is gravely disabled, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (h) of Section 5008 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and that the individual does not have the capacity to consent to or refuse treatment with antipsychotic medication. The fact that an individual has temporary access to food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, and necessary medical care while incarcerated is not a basis to conclude that the individual is able to provide for their basic personal needs for food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, or necessary medical care, which shall be evaluated based upon the individual’s ability to provide for those needs while not incarcerated. The court shall consider opinions in the reports prepared pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1369, as applicable to the issue of whether the individual lacks the capacity to make decisions

regarding the administration of antipsychotic medication, and shall proceed as follows:

(i)The court shall conduct a hearing before a superior court judge, a court-appointed commissioner or referee, or a court-appointed hearing officer, as specified in subdivision (c) of Section 5334 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to determine whether any of the following is true:

(I) Based upon the opinion of the psychiatrist or licensed psychologist offered to the court pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1369, the individual lacks the capacity to make decisions regarding antipsychotic medication, the individual’s mental disorder requires medical treatment with antipsychotic medication, and, if the individual’s mental disorder is not treated with antipsychotic medication, it is

probable that serious harm to the physical or mental health of the individual will result. Probability of serious harm to the physical or mental health of the individual requires evidence that the individual is presently suffering adverse effects to their physical or mental health, or the individual has previously suffered these effects as a result of a mental disorder and their condition is substantially deteriorating. The fact that an individual has a diagnosis of a mental disorder does not alone establish probability of serious harm to the physical or mental health of the individual.

(II) Based upon the opinion of the psychiatrist or licensed psychologist offered to the court pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1369, the individual is a danger to others, in that the individual has inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious

threat of inflicting substantial physical harm on another while in custody, or the individual had inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious threat of inflicting substantial physical harm on another that resulted in the individual being taken into custody, and the individual presents, as a result of mental disorder or mental defect, a danger of inflicting substantial physical harm to others.

(ii) (I) If the court finds the conditions described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (i) to be true, and has considered the conditions in subdivision (c), and if, pursuant to the opinion offered to the court pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1369, a psychiatrist has opined that treatment with antipsychotic medication may be appropriate for the individual, the court may issue an order authorizing the administration of

antipsychotic medication as needed, including on an involuntary basis, to be administered under the direction and supervision of a licensed psychiatrist.

(II) If the court finds the conditions described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (i) to be true, and has considered the conditions in subdivision (c), and if, pursuant to the opinion offered to the court pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1369, a licensed psychologist has opined that treatment with antipsychotic medication may be appropriate for the individual, the court may issue an order authorizing treatment by a licensed psychiatrist on an involuntary basis. That treatment may include the administration of antipsychotic medication, as needed, to be administered under the direction and

supervision of a licensed psychiatrist.

(B) A hearing pursuant to this section may occur at the same time as the competency hearing held pursuant to Section 1369.

(b)Before an order authorizing the administration of involuntary medication is issued pursuant to this section, the person shall have the following rights:
(1)To receive written notice of the diagnosis, the factual basis for the diagnosis, the expected benefits of the medication, any potential side effects and risks of the medication, and any alternatives to treatment with the medication.
(2)To be represented by counsel at all stages of the proceedings.
(3)To receive timely access to their medical records and files.
(4)To be present at all stages of the proceedings.
(5)To present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
(c)After hearing, involuntary medication may be administered if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that all of the following conditions are met:
(1)A psychiatrist or psychologist has determined that the individual has a mental disorder that can be treated with antipsychotic

medication.

(2)A psychiatrist or psychologist has determined that, as a result of that mental disorder, the individual is gravely disabled and lacks the capacity to consent to, or refuse treatment with, antipsychotic medications.
(3)That serious harm to the physical or mental health of the individual is likely to result absent treatment with antipsychotic medication.
(4)A psychiatrist has prescribed one or more antipsychotic medications for the treatment of the individual’s disorder, has considered the risk, benefits, and treatment

alternatives to involuntary medication, and has determined that the treatment alternatives to involuntary medication are unlikely to meet the needs of the individual.

(5)The individual has been advised of the expected benefits of any potential side effects and risks to the individual, any

alternatives to treatment with antipsychotic medication, and refuses, or is unable to consent to, the administration of the medication.

(6)The jail has made a documented attempt to locate an available bed for the individual in a community-based treatment facility in lieu of seeking to administer involuntary medication. If a community-based alternative is not available, medication shall only be administered by noncustody, health care staff and individuals will be monitored at least every 15 minutes for at least one hour after administration of medication.
(7)There is no less intrusive alternative to the involuntary administration of antipsychotic medication, and involuntary administration of the medication is in the individual’s best medical interest.
(d)The individual’s confinement shall not be extended to provide treatment to the individual with antipsychotic medication pursuant to this section. An order pursuant to this section shall be valid until the first of the following events occurs:
(1)Ninety days from the date the individual is found incompetent to stand trial pursuant to Section 1370.01.
(2)Ninety days after the date when the individual is referred to a program described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 1370.01.
(3)Upon order of any court with jurisdiction over the individual, including pursuant to a program described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 1370.01.
(4)The individual is released from custody in the county jail.
(e)The court shall review the order no more than 60 days after an order is issued pursuant to this section to determine whether the grounds for the order remain. At the review, the psychiatrist shall file an affidavit with the court that ordered the involuntary medication affirming that the person who is the subject of the order continues to meet the criteria for involuntary medication. A copy of the affidavit shall be provided to the individual who is the subject of the order and the individual’s attorney. In determining whether the criteria for involuntary medication still exists, the court shall consider the affidavit of the psychiatrist or psychiatrists and any supplemental information provided by the individual’s attorney. The

court may also require the testimony from the psychiatrist, if necessary. At the review, the court may make any appropriate order or keep the existing order in place subject to (d).

(f)An individual who is subject to an order made pursuant to this subdivision has the legal and civil rights set forth in Article 7 (commencing with Section 5325) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(g)This section does not preclude an individual from filing a petition for habeas corpus to challenge the continuing validity of an order authorizing the administration of antipsychotic medication.
(h)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute that is enacted before that date, deletes or extends that date.

Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 256, Sec. 12. (SB 781) Effective January 1, 2020.

(a)Except as provided in subdivision (b), an adult housed in state prison is presumed to have the capacity to give informed consent and make a health care decision, to give or revoke an advance health care directive, and to designate or disqualify a surrogate. This presumption is a presumption affecting the burden of proof.
(b)(1) Except as provided in Section 2602, a licensed physician or dentist may file a petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings to request that an administrative law judge make a determination as to a patient’s capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision, and request appointment of a surrogate decisionmaker, if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(A) The licensed physician or dentist is treating a patient who is an adult housed in state prison.

(B) The licensed physician or dentist is unable to obtain informed consent from the inmate patient because the physician or dentist determines that the inmate patient appears to lack capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision.

(C) There is no person with legal authority to provide informed consent for, or make decisions concerning the health care of, the inmate patient.

(2)Preference shall be given to the next of kin or a family member as a surrogate decisionmaker over other potential surrogate decisionmakers unless those individuals are unsuitable or unable to serve.
(c)The petition required by subdivision (b) shall allege all of the following:
(1)The inmate patient’s current physical condition, describing the health care conditions currently afflicting the inmate patient.
(2)The inmate patient’s current mental health condition resulting in the inmate patient’s inability to understand the nature and consequences of their need for care such that there is a lack of capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision.
(3)The deficit or deficits in the inmate patient’s mental functions as listed in subdivision (a) of Section 811 of the Probate Code.
(4)An identification of a link, if any, between the deficits identified pursuant to paragraph (3) and an explanation of how the deficits

identified pursuant to that paragraph result in the inmate patient’s inability to participate in a decision about their health care either knowingly and intelligently or by means of a rational thought process.

(5)A discussion of whether the deficits identified pursuant to paragraph (3) are transient, fixed, or likely to change during the proposed year-long duration of the court order.
(6)The efforts made to obtain informed consent or refusal from the inmate patient and the results of those efforts.
(7)The efforts made to locate next of kin who could act as a surrogate decisionmaker for the inmate patient. If those individuals are located, all of the following shall also be included, so far as the information is known:
(A)The names and addresses of

the individuals.

(B)Whether any information exists to suggest that any of those individuals would not act in the inmate patient’s best interests.
(C)Whether any of those individuals are otherwise suitable to make health care decisions for the inmate patient.
(8)The probable impact on the inmate patient with, or without, the appointment of a surrogate decisionmaker.
(9)A discussion of the inmate patient’s desires, if known, and whether there is an advance health care directive or other documented indication of the inmate patient’s directives or desires and how those indications might influence the decision to issue an order. Additionally, any known advanced health care directives executed while the inmate patient had capacity shall be disclosed.
(10)The petitioner’s recommendation specifying a qualified and willing surrogate decisionmaker as described in subdivision (q), and the reasons for that recommendation.
(d)The petition shall be served on the inmate patient and the inmate patient’s counsel, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings on the same day as it was served. The Office of Administrative Hearings shall issue a notice appointing counsel.
(e)(1) At the time the initial petition is filed, the inmate patient shall be provided with counsel and a written notice advising the inmate patient of all of the following:

(A) The right to be present at the hearing.

(B) The right to be represented by

counsel at all stages of the proceedings.

(C) The right to present evidence.

(D) The right to cross-examine witnesses.

(E) The right of either party to seek one reconsideration of the administrative law judge’s decision per calendar year.

(F) The right to file a petition for writ of administrative mandamus in superior court pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(G) The right to file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in superior court with respect to any decision.

(2)Counsel for the inmate patient shall have access to all relevant medical and central file records for the inmate patient, but shall not

have access to materials unrelated to medical treatment located in the confidential section of the inmate patient’s central file. Counsel shall also have access to all health care appeals filed by the inmate patient and responses to those appeals, and, to the extent available, any habeas corpus petitions or health care related litigation filed by, or on behalf of, the inmate patient.

(f)The inmate patient shall be provided with a hearing before an administrative law judge within 30 days of the date of filing the petition, unless counsel for the inmate patient agrees to extend the date of the hearing.
(g)The inmate patient, or the inmate patient’s counsel, shall have 14 days from the date of filing of any petition to file a response to the petition, unless a shorter time for the hearing is sought by the licensed physician or dentist and ordered by the administrative law judge, in

which case the judge shall set the time for filing a response. The response shall be served to all parties who were served with the initial petition and the attorney for the petitioner.

(h)In case of an emergency, as described in Section 3351 of Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations, the inmate patient’s physician or dentist may administer a medical intervention that requires informed consent prior to the date of the administrative hearing. Counsel for the inmate patient shall be notified by the physician or dentist.
(i)In either an initial or renewal proceeding, the inmate patient has the right to contest the finding of an administrative law judge authorizing a surrogate decisionmaker by filing a petition for writ of administrative mandamus pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(j)In

either an initial or renewal proceeding, either party is entitled to file one motion for reconsideration per calendar year in front of the administrative law judge following a determination as to an inmate patient’s capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision. The motion may seek to review the decision for the necessity of a surrogate decisionmaker, the individual appointed under the order, or both. The motion for reconsideration shall not require a formal rehearing unless ordered by the administrative law judge following submission of the motion, or upon the granting of a request for formal rehearing by any party to the action based on a showing of good cause.

(k)(1) To renew an existing order appointing a surrogate decisionmaker, the current physician or dentist, or a previously appointed surrogate decisionmaker shall file a renewal petition. The renewal shall be for an additional year at a time.

The renewal hearing on any order issued under this section shall be conducted prior to the expiration of the current order, but not sooner than 10 days after the petition is filed, at which time the inmate patient shall be brought before an administrative law judge for a review of the inmate patient’s current medical and mental health condition.

(2)A renewal petition shall be served on the inmate patient and their counsel, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings on the same day as it was served. The Office of Administrative Hearings shall issue a written order appointing counsel.
(3)(A) The renewal hearing shall be held in accordance with subdivisions (d) to (g), inclusive.
(B)(i) At the time the renewal petition is filed, the inmate patient shall be

provided with counsel and a written notice advising the inmate patient of all of the following:

(I)The right to be present at the hearing.

(II) The right to be represented by counsel at all stages of the proceedings.

(III) The right to present evidence.

(IV) The right to cross-examine witnesses.

(V)The right of either party to seek one reconsideration of the administrative law judge’s decision per calendar year.

(VI) The right to file a petition for writ of administrative mandamus in superior court pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(VII) The right to file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in superior court with respect to any decision.

(ii) Counsel for the inmate patient shall have access to all relevant medical and central file records for the inmate patient, but shall not have access to materials unrelated to medical treatment located in the confidential section of the inmate patient’s central file. Counsel shall also have access to all health care appeals filed by the inmate patient and responses to those appeals, and, to the extent available, any habeas corpus petitions or health care related litigation filed by, or on behalf of, the inmate patient.

(4)The renewal petition shall request the matter be reviewed by an administrative law judge, and allege all of the following:
(A)The current status of each of the elements set

forth in paragraphs (1) to (8), inclusive, of subdivision (c).

(B)Whether the inmate patient still requires a surrogate decisionmaker.
(C)Whether the inmate patient continues to lack capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision.
(l)A licensed physician or dentist who submits a petition pursuant to this section shall not be required to obtain a court order pursuant to Section 3201 of the Probate Code prior to administering care that requires informed consent.
(m)This section does not affect the right of an inmate patient who has been determined to lack capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision and for whom a surrogate decisionmaker has been appointed to do either of the following:
(1)Seek appropriate judicial relief to review the determination or appointment by filing a petition for writ of administrative mandamus pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(2)File a petition for writ of habeas corpus in superior court regarding the determination or appointment, or any treatment decision by the surrogate decisionmaker.
(n)A licensed physician or other health care provider whose actions under this section are in accordance with reasonable health care standards, a surrogate decisionmaker appointed pursuant to this section, and an administrative law judge shall not be liable for monetary damages or administrative sanctions for decisions made or actions taken consistent with this section and the known and documented desires of the inmate patient, or if unknown, the best interests of

the inmate patient.

(o)The determinations required to be made pursuant to subdivisions (c) and (k), and the basis for those determinations, shall be documented in the inmate patient’s medical record.
(p)(1) With regard to any petition filed pursuant to subdivision (c) or (k), the administrative law judge shall determine and provide a written order and findings setting forth whether there has been clear and convincing evidence that all of the following occurred:

(A) Adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard has been given to the inmate patient and the inmate patient’s counsel.

(B) Reasonable efforts have been made to obtain informed consent from the inmate patient.

(C) As a result of one or more deficits in the inmate patient’s mental functions, the inmate patient lacks capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision and is unlikely to regain that capacity over the next year.

(D) Reasonable efforts have been made to identify family members or relatives who could serve as a surrogate decisionmaker for the inmate patient.

(2)The written decision shall also specify and describe any advance health care directives or other documented indication of the inmate patient’s directives or desires regarding health care that were created and validly executed while the inmate patient had capacity.
(q)(1) If all findings required by subdivision (p) are made, the administrative law judge shall appoint a surrogate decisionmaker for health

care for the inmate patient. In doing so, the administrative law judge shall consider all reasonable options presented, including those identified in the petition, and weigh how the proposed surrogate decisionmaker would represent the best interests of the inmate patient, the efficacy of achieving timely surrogate decisions, and the urgency of the situation. Family members or relatives of the inmate patient should be appointed when possible if such an individual is available and the administrative law judge determines the family member or relative will act in the inmate patient’s best interests.

(2)An employee of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, or other peace officer, shall not be appointed surrogate decisionmaker for health care for any inmate patient under this section, unless either of the following conditions apply:
(A)The individual is a family member or

relative of the inmate patient and will, as determined by the administrative law judge, act in the inmate patient’s best interests and consider the inmate patient’s personal values and other wishes to the extent those values and wishes are known.

(B)The individual is a health care staff member in a managerial position and does not provide direct care to the inmate patient. A surrogate decisionmaker appointed under this subparagraph may be specified by their functional role at the institution, such as “Chief Physician and Surgeon” or “Chief Medical Executive” to provide clarity as to the active decisionmaker at the institution where the inmate patient is housed, and to anticipate potential personnel changes. When the surrogate decisionmaker is specified by position, rather than by name, the person occupying that specified role at the institution at which the inmate patient is currently housed shall be considered and act as the appointed

surrogate decisionmaker.

(3)The order appointing the surrogate decisionmaker shall be written and state the basis for the decision by reference to the particular mandates of this subdivision. The order shall also state that the surrogate decisionmaker shall honor and follow any advance health care directive or other documented indication of the inmate patient’s directives or desires, and specify any such directive, order, or documented desire.
(4)The surrogate decisionmaker shall follow the inmate patient’s personal values and other wishes to the extent those values and wishes are known.
(r)The administrative law judge’s written decision and order appointing a surrogate decisionmaker shall be placed in the inmate patient’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation health care record.
(s)An order entered under this section is valid for one year and the expiration date shall be written on the order. The order shall be valid at any state correctional facility within California. If the inmate patient is moved, the sending institution shall inform the receiving institution of the existence of an order entered under this section.
(t)(1) This section applies only to orders appointing a surrogate decisionmaker with authority to make a health care decision for an inmate patient who lacks capacity to give informed consent or make a health care decision.
(2)This section does not apply to existing law regarding health care to be provided in an emergency or existing law governing health care for unemancipated minors. This section shall not be used for the purposes of determining or

directing an inmate patient’s control over finances, marital status, or for convulsive treatment, as described in Section 5325 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, psychosurgery, as defined in Section 5325 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, sterilization, abortion, or involuntary administration of psychiatric medication, as described in Section 2602.

(u)The Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation may adopt regulations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 182, Sec. 3. (SB 132) Effective January 1, 2021.

(a)During the initial intake and classification process, and in a private setting, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall ask each individual entering into the custody of the department to specify all of the following:
(1)The individual’s gender identity of female, male, or nonbinary.
(2)Whether the individual identifies as transgender, nonbinary, or intersex.
(3)The individual’s gender pronoun and honorific.
(b)A person incarcerated by the department may not be disciplined for refusing to answer, or for not disclosing complete

information in response to, the questions pursuant to this section.

(c)At any time, a person under the jurisdiction of the department may inform designated facility staff of their gender identity, and designated facility staff shall promptly repeat the process of offering the individual an opportunity to specify the gender pronoun and honorific most appropriate for staff to use in reference to that individual, in accordance with subdivision (a).
(d)Staff, contractors, and volunteers of the department shall not consistently fail to use the gender pronoun and honorific an individual has specified in all verbal and written communications with or regarding the individual that involve use of a pronoun and honorific.
(e)For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1)“Gender pronoun” means a third-person singular personal pronoun, such as “he,” “she,” or “they.”
(2)“Honorific” means a form of respectful address typically combined with an individual’s surname.

Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 182, Sec. 4. (SB 132) Effective January 1, 2021.

(a)An individual incarcerated by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation who is transgender, nonbinary, or intersex, regardless of anatomy, shall:
(1)Be addressed in a manner consistent with the incarcerated individual’s gender identity.
(2)If lawfully searched, be searched according to the search policy for their gender identity or according to the gender designation of the facility where they are housed, based on the individual’s search preference. If the incarcerated individual’s preference or gender identity cannot be determined, the search shall be conducted according to the gender designation of the facility where they are housed.
(3)Be housed at a correctional facility designated for men or women based on the individual’s preference, including, if eligible, at a residential program for individuals under the jurisdiction of the department. These programs include, but are not limited to, the Alternative Custody Program, Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program, Male Community Reentry Program, or Community Prisoner Mother Program.
(4)Have their perception of health and safety given serious consideration in any bed assignment, placement, or programming decision within the facility in which they are housed pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) or subdivision (b), including, but not limited to, granting single-cell status, housing the individual with another incarcerated person of their choice, or removing the individual or individuals who pose a threat from any location where they may have access

to the individual who has expressed a safety concern. If, pursuant to this paragraph, the individual is not granted an alternative based on their perception of health and safety, the department shall document the reasons for that denial and share them with the individual.

(b)If the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has management or security concerns with an incarcerated individual’s search preference pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or preferred housing placement pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, or the secretary’s designee, shall, before denying a search preference or housing the incarcerated individual in a manner contrary to the person’s preferred housing placement, certify in writing a specific and articulable basis why the department is unable to accommodate that search or housing preference.
(c)The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall not deny a search preference pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or a housing placement pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) based on any discriminatory reason, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
(1)The anatomy, including, but not limited to, the genitalia or other physical characteristics, of the incarcerated person.
(2)The sexual orientation of the incarcerated person.
(3)For a denial of a housing preference pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), a factor present among other people incarcerated at the preferred type of facility.
(d)The incarcerated individual shall receive a copy of the

written statement described in subdivision (b) and, within a reasonable time following the individual’s receipt of the statement, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall provide the individual with a meaningful opportunity to verbally raise any objections to that denial, and have those objections documented.

(e)If an incarcerated individual raises concerns for their health or safety at any time, their housing and placement shall be reassessed.

Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 388, Sec. 1. (SB 309) Effective January 1, 2024.

(a)An individual in custody of a state or local detention facility shall have the right to religious accommodation with respect to grooming, religious clothing, and headwear in observance of their sincerely held religious belief, at all times and throughout the facility, except if in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest with regard

to institutional security that may impact the facility, staff, the individual, or others in custody. Religious grooming, clothing, and headwear accommodations shall only be denied when doing so would be the least restrictive means of furthering these governmental interests. This subdivision applies to each provision throughout this section.

(b)A facility shall

do all of the following:

(1)(A) During the initial booking, intake, and classification process, facility staff shall ask each individual entering into their custody whether the individual practices a sincerely held religious belief that requires accommodation with respect to grooming, religious clothing, or religious headwear.
(B)The facility shall allow the individual in custody to purchase facility-issued, for local facilities, or department-approved, religious clothing and headwear or provide access, as defined in subdivision

(c). If unavailable, the facility shall allow the individual to retain their religious clothing and headwear unless subdivision (a) applies, until facility-issued, for local facilities, or department-approved, religious clothing and headwear can be accessed or purchased. If purchased by an individual in custody, the price of facility-issued religious clothing and headwear shall not exceed the purchase price and normal taxes of the items.

(C)The

facility shall not require an individual’s hair or beard be trimmed or cut during the booking, intake, or classification process and shall allow the individual in custody to maintain their hair and beard length according to their sincerely held religious beliefs.

(2)Unless exigent circumstances exist, when an individual in custody wearing religious clothing or headwear is searched, the facility shall do all of the following:
(A)Staff shall offer the individual in custody the opportunity to have this search conducted

by members of the same gender and out of view of members of a differing gender.

(B)Following the search, staff shall

return to the individual in custody, any religious clothing or headwear purchased, accessed, or retained pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), unless there is reason to confiscate the item due to a security risk, which shall be documented.

(c)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)(A) For local facilities, “access” means making available religious clothing and headwear received through facility-approved vendors, outside donations, or items already issued or provided by the facilities.
(B)For state facilities, “access” means making available religious clothing and headwear received through department-approved vendors.
(2)“Individual in custody” means a person confined to a state or local detention facility, including, but not limited to, a person in the booking process; in temporary holding pending release, transfer, or appearance in court; during or awaiting trial proceedings; awaiting arraignment;

sentenced to imprisonment; and imprisoned upon conviction.

(3)“Local detention facility” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 4027.
(4)“Religious grooming” should be construed broadly to include

all forms of head, facial, and body hair that are part of an individual religious observance.

(5)“Religious clothing and headwear” includes a hijab, kufi, scarf, yarmulke, patka, turban, bandana, and modesty belief with regard to fully covering the arms and legs.
(d)This section applies without regard to whether the facility is operated pursuant to a contract with a private contractor and without regard to whether the individual in custody has been charged with or convicted of a crime.
(e)The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation may promulgate regulations necessary to implement this section, including, but not limited to, establishing standards for department-approved items, expanding the items included in religious clothing and headwear, restricting locations, and establishing any additional limitations.
(f)An incarcerated person who believes their request for a religious accommodation as described in this section has been denied has the right to pursue relief pursuant to Chapter 21C (commencing with Section 2000cc) of Title 42 of the United States Code, known as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.