‘An inherent, human right’: Law enhancing inmates’ religious protections gets gov’s nod

Religious protections for incarcerated people across California will be enhanced following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval last week of legislation allowing inmates to practice religious clothing, headwear and grooming traditions. 

Senate Bill 309, proposed by Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, sets rules about religious clothing, headwear, and grooming for people being booked into prison or jail. The law follows research that shows when inmates can practice their spiritual tradition while in detention, they’re less likely to be violent or engage in other negative behaviors, Cortese’s office said in a news release Saturday.