Realignment generally refers to the shift in the assignment of program and fiscal responsibilities between the state and local governments. Under AB 109, signed by Governor Jerry Brown in April 2011 and funded by the state budget passed in June 2011, realignment refers to the shifting of criminal justice responsibilities from the state prisons and parole board to local county officials and superior courts.
Effective October 1, 2011, counties will be expected to take over the supervision of prisoners placed on parole whose last offense was not a violent crime or a sex offense. There are certain exceptions to this rule if the offender is judged to be “high risk”. In addition, newly convicted offenders who are deemed to be non-violent, non-serious, and non-sex offenders will be placed on probation or in local jails in lieu of sentences to state prison. Lower risk parole violators will be kept at the local level. AB 109 is prospective, which means no inmates currently in state prison will be transferred to county jails or released early.
Below, you can find more information about the realignment process.
Post Release Supervision (CDCR)
AB 109 Final Crime Exclusion List (CDCR)
2011 Public Safety Realignment Overview (CSAC)
Community Corrections Partnership Memo (CSSA)
Brief Summary of Key Provisions in AB 109 and AB 117 (CSAC)
Road Map for Realignment: County Planning for AB 109 and AB 117
Rethinking the State-Local Relationship: Corrections, Public Policy Institute of California
Realignment: A Bold New Era in California Corrections, Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy (
