Felony Murder Elimination Project wants to send a quick reminder that today, March 10th, is the last day to send public comments on the CDCR bereavement leave proposal. This proposal would allow incarcerated individuals to receive bereavement leave following the death of an immediate family member, and is an important step toward recognizing the grief and dignity of the incarcerated population in California.

What the proposal includes:

• Up to three days of paid time off from assigned work or educational programs
• Leave must be requested through the institution
• Time must be used within three months of the family member’s death
• Pay would be provided at the individual’s regular assignment rate
• No temporary release: the leave applies to in-facility duties only

How to submit a public comment to CDCR:

• Email: Send comments to RPMB@cdcr.ca.gov
• Mail: Send written comments to: CDCR, Regulation and Policy Management Branch, P.O. Box 942883, Sacramento, CA 94283-0001 (these must be postmarked TODAY)

We’re also including a short document with suggestions and ideas for strengthening the proposed regulations. This is not a template letter, but rather a set of considerations you may want to reference if you choose to submit a comment.

Feel free to use these ideas, add your own perspective, or simply speak to why recognizing grief for incarcerated people matters.

Thank you to everyone who has already weighed in, and please feel free to share this with others who may want to participate.

Talking points for submitting a public comment —>>> CDCR Bereavement Talking Points

You can also read the full CDCR Bereavement Leave proposal here —>>> Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/NOTICE OF CHANGE TO REGULATIONS