And in every other state there are much more powerful prison guard unions which have a huge influence on our laws.
Info from wikipedia on the California prison guard union:
"...Although its membership is relatively small, representing only about one tenth the membership of the California Teachers Association, CCPOA political activity routinely exceeds that of all other labor unions in California. The union spends heavily on influencing political campaigns, and on lobbying legislators and other government officials. CCPOA also hires public relations firms and political polling firms."
Meaning prisons are run by private companies, with the intent to make as much money as possible.
Meaning laws are influenced by the money from these companies.
It's fucking scary, really.