Jails: discharge of prisoners.

Existing law establishes that the sheriff may discharge any prisoner from the county jail at such time on the last day a prisoner may be confined as the sheriff considers to be in the best interests of the prisoner. Existing law allows for the accelerated release of inmates, as specified, upon the authorization of the superior court. This bill would provide that the sheriff shall discharge a prisoner upon the completion of his or her sentence between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with certain exceptions. The bill would specify that it shall not be construed to allow jails to retain a prisoner any longer than otherwise required or to prevent the early release of prisoners, as specified. Because this bill would require that prisoners be released from jail during a specific time, it would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.