AB 804

This bill requires the Department of Corrections to install, in every state

correctional institution, in every inmate residential cell that is connected to an

exterior wall, a window that is at least 1.5 square feet in size and that provides at

least 92 percent visibility to the outdoors. The window requirements under the bill

apply only if the correctional institution will remain structurally sound with the

windows in place. Under the bill, by October 1, 2026, DOC must install the windows,

and by October 1, 2026, county sheriffs must ensure the same window requirements

are met in county jails.

The bill also requires DOC or the county sheriff to provide every inmate with

three hours per day of outdoor viewing time through a window that provides 92

percent visibility to the outdoors. This requirement may be met by time spent

outdoors, by time spent in the inmate's cell if the cell has such a window, or, if the

inmate's cell does not have such a window, by moving the inmate to a location within

the state correctional institution or county jail that does have a window that provides

at least 92 percent visibility to the outdoors.

The bill provides to DOC $200,000 in fiscal year 2023-24 and $3,000,000 in

fiscal year 2024-25 for the purpose of installing windows in state correctional

institutions to meet the requirements of the bill.