Laws & Policy

NCYL works to implement the historic passage of SB 823 (2020), the law that signaled California’s intention to close its Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and youth prisons, to replace it with a system that honors the potential of youth, not needlessly punish them.

Three significant investments were included in the 2021-2022 California State budget that improve upon existing laws to strengthen reproductive health equity for youth in foster care.

SB 493 improves the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act by ensuring adequate oversight, equitable decision-making, and effective investments prioritizing our communities’ most critical needs. SB 493 was not successful in 2021.

SB 224 ensures that middle and high school health courses include instruction on mental health and wellness, and requires the state to develop a plan to expand mental health instruction in California public schools by January 1, 2024.

California's SB 860 advances education equity for youth in foster care by improving coordination to support them with completing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and ensure they have access to critical financial support to succeed in college.

In 2017, California passed SB 395, a law that prohibits police from interrogating youth under age 16 until the youth has had a chance to talk with an attorney about their rights. SB 395 sunsets January 2025.

Ensures that youth diverted from the juvenile justice system are protected from the negative collateral consequences of a police record.

Ensures that youth who have not been accused of breaking the law are not subject to harmful justice system interventions.

This historic bill closes California state-run youth prisons.