One of the bills pending in Sacramento to address the state’s $24 billion budget deficit begs close attention by those of us in law enforcement and public safety. ABX3 10, which would reduce the amount of general fund money directed towards public safety by $808.6 million, was passed by the state senate last week and is pending in the assembly as lawmakers return to Sacramento today. The reductions would occur in three major areas of state-run agencies as follows:
Proposed reductions for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Prison/parole reforms: $110.9 million. Allows certain inmates (such as the elderly or those with medical conditions) who have 12 months or less remaining on their sentences, to serve their remaining time under house arrest, with GPS monitoring.
Early release: $182.1 million. Includes release of undocumented workers into federal custody and early release of inmates categorized as low risk.
Sentencing changes: $99.9 million. Makes misdemeanor/felonies or “wobblers” straight misdemeanors and adjusts property crime thresholds.
Programmatic reductions and associated operational savings/reductions: $322.6 million. Reduces some rehabilitative services, eliminates most infrastructure repairs and calls for administrative changes.
Proposed reductions for the California Department of Justice
Reduces the DOJ’s Bureau of Narcotics enforcement by $20 million.
Charges local law enforcement agencies fees for the use of DOJ forensic laboratories, with a total cost to local law enforcement of $20 million.
Proposed reductions for the California judiciary
Closes the courts for one day per month, shifts funds to other programs, increases court fees and provides “cost controls” for trial court security: $168 million.
These changes at the state level will have real consequences for local law enforcement agencies, serving as a reminder of how state and local government budgets are intertwined – and why what happens at the state capitol often impacts us as deeply as what happens at city hall.
