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Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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AB-2593 • 2026

Corrections: treatment of prisoners.

Corrections: treatment of prisoners.

Crime Healthcare Labor
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Elhawary
Last action
2026-04-15
Official status
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on enforcement mechanisms or consequences of violations, leaving these aspects unclear.

Prison Health Care Protection

This law stops prison workers from interfering with medical care prescribed for prisoners if it causes them harm.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits supervisors, administrators, and employees of the Department of Corrections Rehabilitation from interfering with or refusing to implement prescribed health care that results in substantial emotional distress or serious bodily injury.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Prisoners who receive medical treatment while incarcerated.
  • Supervisors, administrators, and employees of the Department of Corrections Rehabilitation.

Terms To Know

Substantial emotional distress
A significant amount of mental pain or suffering that affects a person's daily life.
Serious bodily injury
An injury that causes severe physical harm to someone.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if prison staff violate these rules.
  • It is unclear how this law will be enforced or monitored within the Department of Corrections Rehabilitation.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-15 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

  2. 2026-03-25 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  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 2593, as introduced, Elhawary.
Corrections: treatment of prisoners.
Existing law prohibits the Department of Corrections Rehabilitation from allowing any lack of care that would injure or impair the health of an incarcerated person. Existing law prohibits the department from modifying or canceling the medical treatment of an incarcerated person if a physician certifies that the medical treatment is required to prevent certain violations of law or to prevent serious and imminent harm to the health of an incarcerated person, as specified.
This bill would prohibit a supervisor, administrator, or employee of the department from interfering with or refusing to implement prescribed health care, as specified, that results in substantial emotional distress or serious bodily injury, as defined.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF