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AB-2438 • 2026

Imprisonment.

Imprisonment.

Crime
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Johnson
Last action
2026-04-07
Official status
In committee: Set, second hearing. Failed passage.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details about what happens if a sentence is exactly 6 years, leaving this detail uncertain.

Imprisonment Rules

This law would change where certain criminals must serve their time based on the length and nature of their sentence.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the rules for where some people who break serious laws have to go to jail or prison.
  • If someone's total sentence exceeds 6 years, they will now have to go to state prison instead of county jail.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who commit felonies and get sentences over 6 years
  • Courts that decide where criminals go to serve their time

Terms To Know

Felony
A serious crime, like robbery or murder.
Sentence
The punishment given by a court for breaking the law.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This bill did not pass and is no longer being considered.
  • It does not specify what happens if someone's sentence is exactly 6 years.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-07 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, second hearing. Failed passage.

  2. 2026-03-18 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  3. 2026-03-09 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  4. 2026-02-21 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

  5. 2026-02-20 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2438, as introduced, Johnson.
Imprisonment.
Existing law requires a felony sentence punishable pursuant to specified provisions to be served in the county jail. Existing law requires these sentences to be served in the state prison if, among other things, the defendant has a current or prior serious or violent felony conviction or the defendant is required to register as a sex offender.
This bill would additionally require the sentence to be served in the state prison if the sentence results in a total term of imprisonment exceeding 6 years.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF