Prisons: organized sports programming

The law requires a statewide sports-programming policy for state prisons and creates a dedicated fund to support expansion. It frames sports as a rehabilitation tool while requiring attention to safety, eligibility, public resources, and equitable access.

What the law does ​

• Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to adopt an organized sports programming policy by January 1, 2028.
• Requires the department to develop the policy with researchers, sports and reform organizations, correctional staff, incarcerated people, and their families' representatives.
• Allows the department to make agreements with public and private entities, including sports teams, leagues, and higher-education institutions, to expand prison sports programs.
• Creates the Second Chance Sports Fund for program expansion, subject to legislative appropriation, with no more than 5 percent available for administration.
• Requires the Controller to report annually to the Legislature, beginning January 1, 2029, on fund deposits.

Who it affects ​

• People incarcerated in facilities operated by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
• Department correctional staff and prison facilities administering sports programs.
• Sports organizations, universities, and other public or private entities that may partner with the department.

Context ​

The law expires on January 1, 2036.