Bill > AB1261

This bill establishes a state-funded legal counsel program for immigrant youth in California, providing legal representation to undocumented minors who are either unaccompanied, without lawful immigration status, or lacking parental support in immigration proceedings. The bill defines an "immigrant youth" as either an undocumented minor as defined by federal law or a person under 18 who has no lawful immigration status and lacks parental assistance. Legal counsel would begin when a youth is designated as unaccompanied by a federal or state agency and can cover state court proceedings, immigration remedy filings, federal immigration proceedings, and related appeals. The legal representation can continue even after the youth turns 18 if counsel was initially assigned before that age. The California Department of Social Services would be responsible for allocating funding, with priority given to nonprofit organizations that are ineligible for federal funds or have unmet needs. The department can contract with qualified nonprofit legal services organizations or county public defender offices that meet specific experience requirements in immigration law, particularly those with attorneys experienced in handling asylum cases, special immigrant juvenile status, and representing minors in removal proceedings. Additionally, the bill allows for funding social work services to support these immigrant youth, and requires contractors to maintain malpractice insurance and indemnify the state from potential legal claims.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1261