CA SB309

Grants individuals in state and local detention facilities the right to religious accommodations for grooming, clothing, and headwear based on sincerely held religious beliefs, except when necessary for compelling institutional security interests.

Requires facilities to ask individuals about religious accommodation needs during booking and intake, and to allow purchase or access to facility-issued or department-approved religious clothing and headwear at cost not exceeding normal retail price plus taxes.

Prohibits facilities from requiring hair or beard trimming during booking and requires same-gender searches conducted out of view when possible for individuals wearing religious clothing or headwear.

Requires county sheriffs and local detention facility administrators to develop and implement religious accommodation policies meeting the bill's requirements by January 1, 2025.

Authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to promulgate regulations implementing religious accommodation standards and allows incarcerated persons to seek relief under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.