CA AB1276

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to conduct a special youth offender Institutional Classification Committee review at reception for every individual under 22 years of age committed to state prison.

Mandates consideration of placing youth offenders at lower security levels than their classification score indicates or in facilities with increased program access, based on factors including recent in-custody behavior, self-improvement efforts, family/community ties, and commitment to rehabilitation.

Requires transfer to a lower security facility if the department determines the youth offender may be appropriately placed there; if denied, the youth must be considered for placement in facilities permitting increased program access.

Allows youth offenders initially denied lower security placement or program access and placed at the highest security level to have their placement reconsidered at annual reviews until age 25, particularly if they have no serious rule violations for one year.

Becomes operative July 1, 2015, and requires the department to revise existing regulations and adopt new regulations regarding classification determinations and staff training.