AB 2533: Inmates: indigence.

Existing law authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to maintain a canteen at any prison or institution under the departments jurisdiction for the sale of toilet articles and other sundries, as specified. Existing law requires the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to deposit any funds of inmates in his or her possession in trust in the Treasury, as specified.

This bill would require that an inmate in a state prison who has maintained an inmate trust account with $25 or less for 30 consecutive days be deemed indigent. The bill would require that an inmate who is indigent receive basic supplies necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and be provided with sufficient resources to communicate with and access the courts, as specified.