AB 2624 and 628 Lawmakers Continue to Address Prison Labor, but Measure to End Slavery Fails

California requires incarcerated people to work, as directed by Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation rules.  The Legislature passed several bills related to prison labor in its recent session.

Under AB 2624, incarcerated workers are now entitled to three days of bereavement leave after the death of an immediate family member, at their usual rate of pay.  The law has an exception for those assigned to emergency response, which calls attention to the critical role these workers play in the state.  California’s teams of incarcerated firefighters, for example, protect the public from major wildfires every year.

The Legislature also passed AB 628 to create a voluntary work program for people in prison.  However, the law was contingent on California voters approving a ballot measure, Proposition 6, to end slavery and involuntary servitude in prison, which failed as of November 10.  Californians voted to keep forced labor as punishment for a crime.