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Committee supports bill to fund legal representation for unaccompanied minors in California
Summary
AB 1261 (listed as AB 12 61 in committee) would require the California Department of Social Services to contract with qualified nonprofit legal services or public defender offices to provide counsel for unaccompanied minors in federal custody or residing with sponsors in California; the committee advanced the bill.
Assemblymember Bonta presented AB 1261 (noted in the record as AB 12 61), which requires the California Department of Social Services to contract with qualified nonprofit legal services organizations or public defenders to provide legal representation to unaccompanied minors in federal custody or residing with a sponsor in California.
Bonta said unrepresented minors face dramatically worse outcomes in immigration court; the Vera Institute and other studies show represented children are substantially more likely to obtain relief. The bill's sponsors and supporters — including Alameda County representatives, the California Public Defender Association, First 5 California and immigrant‑rights groups — urged the committee to act so no child must face deportation proceedings alone.
Witnesses described that federal funding and programs that previously provided counsel to tens of thousands of children have been interrupted, increasing need for state action. Alameda County testified in strong support and urged the state to ensure due process and fair hearings for vulnerable children.
The committee recorded a motion to pass and advanced the bill to Appropriations for fiscal review; committee members emphasized the policy importance and urged speedy movement through the process.
What happens next: AB 1261 was advanced to Appropriations; sponsors and counties will need to negotiate contracting and fiscal arrangements for legal services.
