A new California proposal known as the Hug Act would allow detained youth to hug parents during visits — a policy change supporters say could strengthen rehabilitation, mental health, and family stability.
Almost all of us appreciate the power of a hug, whether offered in celebration, comfort, or support. Research shows that hugging provides measurable physical and mental health benefits by triggering the release of oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone, along with dopamine and serotonin, while lowering cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. A 20-second hug can help reduce blood pressure, ease anxiety, strengthen the immune system, and reinforce emotional bonds, making human touch a natural, non-pharmacological way to improve overall well-being.
Despite these well-documented health benefits of hugging, physical contact is prohibited for incarcerated youth at two Los Angeles County juvenile halls: Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall. Under current visitation policies, young people in custody are not permitted to hug or even hold hands with family members and loved ones during visits, limiting meaningful family connection at a critical time in their development.
In response, the Hug Act of 2026, formally introduced as Assembly Bill 1646 on January 27 by Isaac Bryan, seeks to reform juvenile detention visitation policies across California. The bill would require youth facilities statewide to allow approved hugs during in-person visits, provided the youth in custody consents. Support for the legislation has been strong, including from Janice Hahn, whose motion to support the bill was unanimously approved in a 5-0 vote by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on March 3.
According to Hahn, many of the young men at Los Padrinos have gone months or even years without being able to embrace their mothers.
The request to allow hugs came directly from youth at the Downey facility in 2024, when they submitted a wish list of improvements that included the ability to hug parents, siblings, and other visitors. Bryan later visited Los Padrinos and worked with the detained youth to help craft the legislation, which recently advanced out of the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee. If enacted, the Hug Act could mark a significant shift in juvenile justice reform in California, recognizing the emotional, psychological, and rehabilitative importance of family connection for incarcerated youth.
The problem of the juvenile halls in LA county goes beyond funds
