California implementing rehabilitative programs in state prisons to reshape incarceration methods

California is making bold moves to dismantle death row at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, one of the most notorious prisons in the United States. This change comes as executions have been halted and inmates on death row are being transferred to other prisons across the state.

The shift is part of a larger effort to reshape the state's prison system. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who halted executions at San Quentin about five years ago, is leading the charge known as the California Model, a taxpayer-funded initiative being rolled out across eight prisons statewide that aims to rehabilitate general population prisoners for life after incarceration.

The reform includes a ballot measure passed by voters requiring condemned prisoners to work and pay restitution to their victims' families.