Assemblymember Gregg Hart Criticized for Jail Management Bill

Proposed legislation seen as misguided and lacking collaboration with sheriffs

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Assemblymember Gregg Hart's introduction of AB 2257, a bill aimed at shifting jail management from elected sheriffs to county departments of corrections, has faced criticism from law enforcement officials. The bill is viewed as a misguided, non-collaborative approach that fails to address the real challenges counties face in operating their jail systems.

Why it matters

Sheriffs have traditionally run jail systems in 57 of California's 58 counties due to their experience, knowledge, and legal authority. Attempts to shift control to separate departments have faced significant hurdles in counties like Madera, Santa Clara, and Napa, leading to higher costs, efficiency issues, and other problems.

The details

Contrary to Hart's assertions, there are already robust accountability measures in place for elected sheriffs, who are held accountable by various government entities and the voters. The proposed legislation was introduced without any notification or discussion with the sheriff's office, which could have provided valuable insight into the real problems counties face in operating jails and the need for adequate funding and resources for rehabilitation programs.

  • In 2021, Madera supervisors voted unanimously to return oversight and management of the county's jail to the sheriff's office.
  • In 2023, similar action was taken in Santa Clara County to return control of the jail to the sheriff's office.

The players

Assemblymember Gregg Hart

The author of the proposed AB 2257 bill, which aims to shift jail management from elected sheriffs to county departments of corrections.

California Sheriffs

Elected officials who have traditionally run jail systems in 57 of California's 58 counties due to their experience, knowledge, and legal authority.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the management of California's jail systems, with sheriffs arguing that they are best equipped to handle these responsibilities due to their experience and accountability measures, while some lawmakers believe a shift to county departments of corrections is necessary. The lack of collaboration and understanding between the two sides suggests the need for a more constructive dialogue to address the real challenges facing the state's correctional facilities.