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An Age of Dignity

The LSPC Older Prisoner Campaign has two goals: (1) the release of low-risk frail elders who cost three times the amount to incarcerate yet have the lowest risk to public safety and (2) changes in current correctional policies that create unsafe conditions for older people.

Over the past six months, LSPC has sponsored two pieces of legislation aimed at addressing California’s aging prisoners crisis. SB 1555, introduced by Senator Sheila Kuehl, would require the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to implement new policies to better meet with the unique needs of incarcerated seniors. AB 1965, introduced by Assembly Member Sandre Swanson, would allow prisoners over 55 to parole early if they are serving time for nonviolent and non-serious convictions, have served 50% of their sentences, and also meet other strict eligibility requirements. Thanks to many of you, we succeeded in building a broad base of support for both of these bills. Unfortunately, neither bill passed. We suspect this is because of a combination of factors including the current state budget crisis, the pending federal “population cap” lawsuit, and a general unwillingness on the part of many elected officials to vote for any form of early release.

Despite our disappointment, we greatly valued the opportunity to educate members of the Legislature about this often invisible issue. Given the severity of the state’s budget crisis as well as the unconscionable conditions in our prisons, we believe that this is an opportune time to insist that people who do not pose a threat to public safety be released. As LSPC looks toward the future, we are considering legal and administrative remedies to address these issues, as well as re-introducing legislation next session and continuing to build community support. We will keep you posted on our efforts.

LSPC remains deeply committed to fighting for the rights of older people affected by incarceration. We also recognize that winning meaningful change requires a long-term vision and collaboration from a diverse community of dedicated people and organizations. We hope all of you will join LSPC in re-committing to a vision where all people are afforded the right to age with dignity and respect.

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