Senate records letter clarifying SBX 12 appropriation for civil legal assistance; roll call 29–1

Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Gabriel submitted a letter to the Senate Daily Journal to clarify the intent of SBX 12 concerning a $25 million appropriation for civil legal assistance for Californians. The Senate recorded the letter in the journal after a roll‑call vote.

On the floor, Senator Wiener said he and Assemblymember Gabriel were submitting a letter “to clarify the intent, of SBX 12 with respect to its appropriation of $25,000,000 for civil legal assistance for Californians in terms of who is eligible.” Senator Jim Jones requested a roll‑call vote on the matter and said the Republican caucus had received the letter about an hour before session and remained opposed to state funds for legal services to undocumented immigrants. Jones asked colleagues to register a no or abstention on the submission. Senator María Elena Durazo spoke in support, saying the funds were necessary to help immigrant communities defend themselves amid fear caused by recent federal actions.

Senator Ciarad (recorded in the transcript as “Ciardo”) cautioned that a letter filed in the journal does not change law and said any language affecting eligibility should be in statute rather than a journal letter. Senator Caballero argued the letter was intended to clarify the bills’ provisions and the consistent restrictions on the funds. The Senate clerk recorded the roll call as “Ayes 29, Nos 1,” and the transcript reports: "The letter is submitted." The transcript does not show that the letter changed SBX 12’s statutory language; the action placed the clarification in the legislative record.