CA AB2977

Board of State and Community Corrections shall develop and implement a mandatory implicit bias training program for all state and local correctional officers, parole officers, and probation officers.

Working group must develop a 3-hour implicit bias training course covering social science on bias, historical context, recognition of biases affecting marginalized groups, strategies for counteracting bias, and interactive exercises, with completion required by January 1, 2024.

Working group shall develop a 3-hour continuing refresher course to be completed every 3 years after initial training, with regular curriculum updates and trainer approval requirements.

Department of Justice must nominate and vet applicants for the working group, which shall include implicit bias experts, formerly incarcerated persons, restorative justice advocates, and correctional personnel with training experience.

Board must submit reports to the Legislature by January 1, 2024, and every 3 years thereafter assessing curriculum content, training effectiveness, and impact on eliminating biased policies and practices in correctional facilities.