Budget Act of 2024.
What changed between versions
$10,000,000 appropriated to the Judicial Council (Item 0250-101-0001) for grants to qualified legal services projects and support centers through the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission, specifically for civil legal services for indigent persons at risk of detention, deportation, eviction, wage theft, intimate partner violence, or other safety risks from federal actions. Minimum grant award is $25,000; up to 2.5% available for administrative costs.
$10,000,000 appropriated to the Department of Social Services (Item 5180-151-0001) for grants, contracts, and state operations under Chapter 5.6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to provide immigration-related services including removal defense. Funds may be transferred to Item 5180-001-0001 for administration upon Department of Finance approval.
$5,000,000 appropriated to the Judicial Council (Item 0250-101-0001) as a one-time supplement to its existing contract with the California Access to Justice Commission to expand grants to nonprofit legal services providers. Up to 2.5% available for administrative costs.
All new funds under Section 5.26 are available for encumbrance until June 30, 2026, and for expenditure until June 30, 2028.
Reporting requirements added: the Judicial Council must report grant awardees, amounts, and periods to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee after awarding funds under both the $10 million legal services grant and the $5 million Access to Justice Commission supplement. The Department of Social Services must provide written notification to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on distribution of immigration-related funds, including any transfers for administration.
The bill now contains two acts: the original act adding Chapter 4 (Federal Litigation Expenses) to the Government Code, and a new act amending the Budget Act of 2024 by adding Section 5.26 and amending Section 99.50. The bill's effective date language was changed from 'bill related to the budget' to 'Budget Bill.'
Senator Wiener was added as a co-author alongside Assembly Member Gabriel. The legislative findings section was repositioned after the Budget Act amendments rather than appearing first in the bill.
