SB 942

Existing law grants specified rights to persons involuntarily detained in state hospitals as a result of developmental or mental health disabilities, including a right to dignity, privacy, and humane care, to be free from harm, to religious freedom and practice, and to physical exercise and recreational opportunities. This bill, the Civil Detainees’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026, would clarify that all persons housed or detained for purposes of civil immigration proceedings in California at any state, county, local, or private locked detention facility, including any county, local, or private locked detention facility in which an individual is housed or detained on behalf of, or pursuant to a contract with, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have the legal rights and responsibilities guaranteed all other persons by the United States Constitution and federal law and the California Constitution and state law, unless specifically limited by federal or state law or regulations. The bill would declare that the above-described housed or detained persons have certain rights, including a right to dignity, privacy, and humane care, a right to clean and well-maintained facilities, and a right to safe and good-quality food.