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AB-1213 • 2026

Restitution: priority.

Restitution: priority.

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Stefani
Last action
Official status
Chaptered
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The effective date is missing from the provided metadata and text excerpts, so it cannot be confirmed in this summary.

Restitution First Act

This law requires that money ordered for victim restitution be paid before fines, penalty assessments, and other fees.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires courts to order convicted defendants to pay full restitution to victims.
  • Mandates that a restitution order must be paid before all fines, restitution fines, penalty assessments, and other fees as specified.
  • Makes nonsubstantive changes to existing laws.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Victims of crimes entitled to restitution under the California Constitution
  • Convicted defendants ordered by a court to pay money

Terms To Know

Restitution order
A court requirement for a convicted defendant to pay full restitution to a victim.
Restitution fine
A separate payment required by law that is distinct from the money paid directly to the victim.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official text does not specify an exact effective date.
  • The bill states fees are prioritized 'as specified,' but does not list every specific fee type in this summary.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Chaptered

Official Summary Text

Restitution: priority.