The HUGS Act Passes the Assembly Floor

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, AB 1645: The Humanizing and Uniting Generations Safely (HUGS) Act passed out of the Assembly floor with 73 AYE votes. The Hugs Act outlines allowed physical behavior such as handholding, hugging, and holding one's child in state prison visitation rooms.

"When visitors are severely punished for hugging, it sends a message to them - 'Do not come back. Do not visit your loved one. You'll just experience more pain the next time," said Assemblymember Mark González (D - Los Angeles). "As a result, families lose out on their loved ones, children lose their mom or dad, and the incarcerated individual is left feeling hopeless and abandoned. Not because their families didn't try, but because it is an actively hostile environment created by systemic failures. That is why I am proud to carry AB 1645, a bill that promises to confront punitive practices and instead, restore dignity to our communities."

"The HUGS Act restores what punishment should never remove: humanity. If the goal is healing, then humane contact must be part of the treatment," said Bridges of Hope and EWII, co-sponsors of AB 1645, explaining the impact. The HUGS Act now heads to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He serves on the Committees on Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, Rules, and Utilities & Energy. He represents the 54th District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.

CONTACT: Jaspreet Johl; [email protected]; (916) 335-8871
Kyle Johnson; [email protected]; (925) 549-2030