SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill that would have required counties to offer in-person visitation for jail inmates.
The Democratic governor said Tuesday that SB1157 created a strict mandate and did not provide enough flexibility.
Some county officials were concerned they’d have to modify their facilities or hire additional jail staff.
Democratic Sen. Holly Mitchell of Los Angeles wrote the bill in response to the rising popularity of video conferences in place of in-person visitation. Mitchell said her bill would help reduce recidivism because inmates with strong connections to their families are less likely to commit new crimes.
In a veto message to lawmakers, Brown says he shares the concern and is directing a state agency to consider other ways to address the issue.
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