AB 2218 Summary

• Expands the definition of "restitution" in restitution centers to include direct restitution to victims, restitution fines, and fees as ordered by sentencing courts or agreed upon by defendants and victims.

• Prioritizes placement in restitution centers for inmates who commit crimes involving direct victims.

• Relaxes eligibility criteria by extending the drug sale conviction lookback period from any prior conviction to within the last 5 years, and replacing a blanket exclusion for violent/sex crimes with specific exclusions for serious felonies, violent felonies, and sex offender registration offenses.

• Increases the maximum sentence eligibility from 36 months to 60 months for placement in restitution centers.

• Establishes legislative findings supporting restitution centers as effective reentry models that reduce recidivism and incarceration costs when inmates obtain employment while paying restitution.