76,000 California prison inmates could be released earlier with good behavior

California is giving 76,000 inmates, including violent and repeat felons, the opportunity to leave prison earlier as the state aims to further trim the population of what once was the nation’s largest state correctional system.

The goal is to increase incentives for the incarcerated population to practice good behavior and follow the rules while serving their time, and participate in rehabilitative and educational programs, which will lead to safer prisons,” department spokeswoman Dana Simas said in a statement.

CDCR put the changes into place effective immediately using emergency regulations, which did not require public comment. It falls under Proposition 57, allowing inmates more incentives to rehabilitate. It was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2016.

“Additionally, these changes would help to reduce the prison population by allowing incarcerated persons to earn their way home sooner,” she said.

California Correctional Center in Susanville will close by July 2022, while officials announced last fall that Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy, east of San Francisco, will close by this October.

Also as of Saturday, all minimum-security inmates in work camps, including those in firefighting camps, will be eligible for the same month of earlier release for every month they spend in the camp, regardless of the severity of their crime.