Bill > ABX12

This bill amends the Budget Act of 2024 to provide additional funding and legal support in anticipation of potential federal policy challenges. Specifically, the bill appropriates $25 million across three key areas: $10 million to the Judicial Council for grants to legal services projects to support vulnerable populations at risk of detention, deportation, eviction, and wage theft; $10 million to the Department of Social Services for immigration-related services and removal defense; and $5 million to the California Access to Justice Commission to expand legal service grants to nonprofit providers. The bill also separately appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Justice for federal litigation expenses, requiring the department to report on the use of these funds and maintain a public website detailing the expenditures. The funding is available for encumbrance until June 30, 2026, and for expenditure until June 30, 2028. The bill is explicitly framed in the context of potential actions by a Trump administration, with the Legislature seeking to proactively defend California's programs, policies, and residents' rights through legal and support services. These provisions are set to expire on January 1, 2029, and the bill takes effect immediately as a budget-related measure.

Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520261AB2