Bill > AB1213

This bill, known as the Restitution First Act, amends Section 1202.4 of the Penal Code to establish that restitution to crime victims must be paid before any other fines, penalties, or fees associated with a criminal conviction. The bill emphasizes the constitutional right of crime victims to receive restitution from offenders and declares that no other debt owed by a criminal defendant should be satisfied before the victim's restitution. Specifically, the legislation ensures that restitution orders have priority over all other financial obligations arising from a criminal conviction, which means victims will be compensated before the government collects other fees and fines. The bill builds upon existing law that already requires courts to order convicted defendants to pay full restitution to victims, but now explicitly prioritizes these payments over other monetary penalties. By doing so, the legislation aims to strengthen victim rights and ensure that those who have suffered economic losses as a result of criminal conduct are more quickly and completely compensated for their damages.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1213