The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding corrections, public safety, judiciary, labor, and transportation in California. The meeting focused on several key agenda items, particularly the Community Corrections Performance Incentive Grant and the VOCA funding.

The first item addressed was the Community Corrections Performance Incentive Grant. Representatives from various organizations emphasized the need for funding stability amid ongoing budget uncertainties. They echoed the sentiments of county chief probation officers, highlighting the importance of consistent financial support for community corrections programs.

Next, the discussion shifted to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. Glenn Backus from the Prosecutor's Alliance Action and the Ella Baker Center expressed strong support for full funding of VOCA. He noted the critical impacts of funding declines and the necessity for continued financial support to address these challenges effectively.

The subcommittee also reviewed the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's (CDCR) preparedness for disasters. Backus pointed out significant shortcomings in the CDCR's disaster readiness, advocating for public plans to ensure the safety of both staff and incarcerated individuals during emergencies such as fires and floods.

Clifton Wilson, representing the boards of supervisors from Kern, Fresno, and Mendocino counties, supported proposed updates to the SB 678 grant program. He highlighted the program's success in reducing reliance on incarceration and improving rehabilitation efforts, noting a decrease in felony probation admissions to prison from nearly 8% to 2.5% since the program's inception.

Chris Lausch from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition raised concerns regarding the proposed changes to the SB 678 funding formula. He criticized the shift from an incentive-based framework to a maintenance payment system, arguing that it undermines the original intent of the California Community Correction Performance Incentives Act. Lausch called for the inclusion of statewide performance comparisons and better oversight to ensure that counties are effectively utilizing funds for evidence-based practices.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the pressing need for stable funding in community corrections and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding disaster preparedness and the effectiveness of current funding formulas. The subcommittee's discussions will likely influence future budget decisions and legislative actions aimed at improving California's corrections and public safety systems.