Solitary Confinement Reform Project

Disability Rights California (DRC) and Prison Law Office (PLO) are working to compel California counties to reduce the use of solitary confinement in their jails.

DRC V. Gavin Newsom

On January 26, 2023, Disability Rights California (DRC), Western Center on Law & Poverty, and The Public Interest Law Project filed an original petition for writ of mandate to the California Supreme Court. The petition was filed on behalf of DRC as an organization and challenges the constitutional validity of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Act, also known as the CARE Act.

Disability Rights California’s Settlement Agreement with Tulare County

On February 24, 2025, Disability Rights California (DRC) reached a Settlement Agreement with Tulare County that will expand the County’s behavioral health services and prevent unnecessary institutionalization and incarceration. The Settlement is a culmination of a multi-year investigation by DRC and subsequent negotiations with the County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).

DRC V. Gavin Newsom

On January 26, 2023, Disability Rights California (DRC), Western Center on Law & Poverty, and The Public Interest Law Project filed an original petition for writ of mandate to the California Supreme Court. The petition was filed on behalf of DRC as an organization and challenges the constitutional validity of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Act, also known as the CARE Act.

DRC v. County of Alameda, et al. (N.D. Cal.)

Federal lawsuit challenging the unlawful institutionalization of individuals with serious mental illness due to lack of adequate community-based services.

Mays v. County of Sacramento (E.D. Cal.)

Monitoring class action settlement in Sacramento jails case, involving access to physical and mental health care, suicide prevention, solitary confinement, and ADA accessibility.

Murray, et al. v. County of Santa Barbara, et al. (C.D. Cal.) (MCC 73503)

Monitoring of comprehensive settlement in federal class action lawsuit challenging dangerous and unconstitutional conditions in the Santa Barbara County jail impacting people with disabilities.

Orange County Jail Investigation

Recently entered settlement agreement addresses dangerous and unconstitutional conditions impacting people with disabilities living in the jail; DRC and co-counsel are now beginning monitoring of said settlement agreement.