Sacramento, CA - Senate Bill 983, authored by Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark) was introduced today.

SB 983 would allow counties in California to independently negotiate with other states for the transfer of inmates. The state of California already has the option to negotiate with other states for the transfer of prison inmates; SB 983 would extend this option to counties.

“I introduced this bill after hearing a devastating story of a pregnant woman in Los Angeles County whose life was taken at the hands of a criminal who’d been released early due to over-crowding,” Sen. Strickland said. “If Los Angeles County had the opportunity to contract for the transfer of inmates to another state, this woman’s life – and the life of her unborn child – could have been spared.”

“Every day, inmates are being released early from jail – sometimes serving only one or two days of their 90-day sentence – and then they’re back on the street, putting the lives of innocent citizens at risk,” Sen. Strickland added. “Individual counties should have the opportunity to do what’s best for the members of their community and SB 983 will give them that opportunity.”

SB 983 was introduced at the suggestion of, and is being sponsored by, Alan Jackson, a veteran prosecutor from Los Angeles County. “One of the greatest threats to public safety is a revolving door at the jail. This bill will give our local leaders the tools they need to ensure criminals remain behind bars. I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sen. Strickland to empower our local officials with the tools to help keep our streets safe,” Jackson said.

SB 983 now heads to the Senate Rules Committee for assignment.

Sen. Strickland is available to the media for an interview or comments.

Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.