AB 1962
California Indigent Defense Commission.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Pending Referral
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes the creation of the California Indigent Defense Commission. The commission’s purpose is to guarantee that legal representation for people who cannot afford an attorney meets constitutional and professional standards. Currently, the State Public Defender provides these services, but this bill aims to establish a dedicated commission to oversee and improve the quality of indigent defense in California. It reflects the legislature’s intention to strengthen the system for ensuring fair legal representation for all.
Key provisions
- Establishes the California Indigent Defense Commission.
- The commission will ensure indigent defense services meet constitutional and professional standards.
- The commission’s creation reflects the legislature’s intent to improve the system of indigent defense.
- The bill does not change the existing role of the State Public Defender.
Who is affected
- Defendants in criminal cases
- The State Public Defender
- Legal professionals providing indigent defense
Notable changes
- Creates a new state entity – the California Indigent Defense Commission – to oversee indigent defense services.
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AB1962:v99#DOCUMENT
Bill Start
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 1962
| Introduced by Assembly Member Hart |
| February 13, 2026 |
An act relating to indigent defense.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 1962, as introduced, Hart. California Indigent Defense Commission.
Existing law affords a defendant in a criminal case a federal and state constitutional right to have the assistance of counsel for the defendant’s defense. Under existing law, if the defendant in a criminal case is unable to employ counsel, the court is required to assign counsel to defend them, as specified.
Under existing law, one of the primary responsibilities of the State Public Defender is to engage in efforts to improve the quality of indigent defense. Existing law authorizes the State Public Defender to administer and award grants to improve indigent defense services.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish the California Indigent Defense Commission, an entity responsible for ensuring that indigent defense services meet constitutional and professional standards.
Digest Key
Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO
Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish the California Indigent Defense Commission, an entity responsible for ensuring that indigent defense services meet constitutional and professional standards.