Bill > AB1071

This bill clarifies and strengthens the California Racial Justice Act (RJA), which prohibits seeking, obtaining, or imposing criminal convictions or sentences based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. The bill expands the procedures for challenging potentially discriminatory legal proceedings by allowing defendants to request disclosure of all relevant evidence related to potential racial bias, and authorizing courts to provide broader remedies when such bias is found. Key provisions include lowering the threshold for appointing counsel in RJA cases, explicitly defining what constitutes racially discriminatory language, and emphasizing that statistical evidence can be sufficient to establish a prima facie case of racial discrimination. The bill also clarifies that courts should consider the various manifestations of systemic racism, not just the most egregious historical examples, and mandates that remedies for racial bias must be comprehensive and meaningful. Additionally, the bill categorically prohibits the death penalty in cases where a racial justice violation is found, recognizing the historical context of racial disparities in capital punishment. The legislative findings strongly emphasize the need to confront and address racial bias in the criminal justice system, stating that any form of racial bias, no matter how seemingly minor, can contaminate the entire legal process and must be remedied.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1071