Expands state-funded legal representation for indigent noncitizens in immigration proceedings connected to California, including those in federal custody or with a nexus to the state, which increases barriers to removal and reduces the practical effectiveness of state and local cooperation with ICE.
Subject to the availability of state funding, the state shall provide legal counsel to every covered individual that is not otherwise being provided counsel pursuant to another provision of this chapter.
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Immigration enforcementotherAI label
=No change to immigration enforcementmodel confidence 70%
Creates an administrator office, phase-in plan, contracting with nonprofits/public defenders/private attorneys, data collection, training, outreach grants, and annual reporting on providing counsel in immigration proceedings, which expands access to representation without directly altering core law,
The administrator, or the administrator’s designee, shall implement this section no later than January 1, 2027.
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill substantively addresses immigration-enforcement by expanding publicly funded legal services to covered individuals (indigent, unrepresented persons with California ties) in removal, detention, and related proceedings, starting at custody or notice to appear; this restricts enforcement outcomes by aiding relief from removal. It also adds administrative, contracting, prioritization, and reporting mechanisms that are neutral as they facilitate the program without changing enforcement scope directly. No other listed topics are substantively addressed.
Related bills
AB1655CalWORKs: temporary absence: immigration detention.↓Restricts immigration enforcement Law
AB1807Immigration enforcement: use of state-owned property.↓Restricts immigration enforcement↓Restricts immigration enforcement Law
AB1994Defending Immigrant Victims Act.↓Restricts immigration enforcement=No change to immigration enforcement Law