Bill to cap commissary markups in for‑profit immigration detention wins committee support

Sen. Richard Padilla presented SB 941 as an extension of a prior statutory framework that limited commissary pricing in state prison commissaries. The bill would apply a similar cap to private for‑profit entities operating within California that hold people in immigration custody under federal contract.

“People detained in ICE custody are often paid $1 per day for facility work,” immigration attorney Elena Junghi Vermullen told the committee, describing examples in which deodorant, shampoo and food cost many days’ wages inside facilities compared with county retail prices outside. “When detained people have no other way to procure what they need, it’s easy for companies to economically exploit them.”

Padilla said the bill is narrowly tailored to prevent exploitative markups while recognizing the federal government retains operational authority over security and operations in facilities on state soil.

Supporters included county district attorneys, public defenders, civil‑rights groups and disability‑rights organizations; no principal witnesses testified in opposition during the committee hearing. Senator Padilla asked for an "I" vote and the committee moved the bill to the Judiciary Committee with recorded aye votes.

Next steps: SB 941 was moved to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration. Committee records indicate bipartisan support among those present.