AB 109 Could Slow Prison's Revolving Door

Passage of AB 109 by the California Assemby two years ago has focused new attention on the problem of re-integrating formerly incarcerated people back into society. The legislation was brought about by Federal court rulings that force California to address its overcrowded prisons. AB 109’s solution is to transfer thousands of non-violent, non-sexual, non-serious offenders to county correction systems. The bill also provided billions of dollars to the counties to handle the influx. . But the new law provides little guidance to counties on how to use the money, or standards on how transitioning prisoners should be treated.
To look at some of the challenges and opportunities under AB 109, reporter Tom Herriman talked to two men, Michael Santos and Gary Scott, who have recently been navigating the re-entry process.