Felony Murder Elimination Project wanted to share with our supporters and advocates that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has released a proposed 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

Public comments are open on this proposal through March 10, 2026. Families, advocates, and community members have the opportunity to weigh in and be heard.

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
• Public Hearings: A public hearing regarding these proposed regulations will be held March 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Room 101, located at 8260 Longleaf Dr., Building C, Elk Grove CA

Grief doesn’t stop because someone is expected to return to work or school. Policies that acknowledge loss are a step toward dignity, healing, and humane treatment, especially for those who are incarcerated. Please consider submitting a public comment and sharing this information with others who may want to participate.

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