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AB-1816 • 2026

Probation: duration.

Probation: duration.

Crime Education
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Davies
Last action
2026-04-23
Official status
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not specify the exact crimes that qualify as 'specified sex crimes' or 'serious felonies'.

Probation Time Limits

This law changes probation limits for certain serious crimes and sex offenses.

What This Bill Does

  • Removes the two-year limit on probation for specified sex crimes, serious felonies, and other offenses where the court finds additional time is needed for rehabilitation programs.
  • Allows courts to extend probation beyond two years up to the maximum possible sentence term if a defendant needs more time for programming.
  • Limits additional probation time to one year for people who must register as sex offenders under certain conditions.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People convicted of specified serious crimes and sex offenses.
  • Courts that handle criminal cases.
  • Local agencies responsible for supervising people on probation.

Terms To Know

Probation
A period after a crime where someone is not in jail but must follow rules set by the court.
Reimbursement
Money given back to local agencies for costs caused by state laws.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify which crimes are considered 'specified sex crimes' and 'serious felonies'.
  • It is unclear how much extra funding will be needed due to longer probation periods.
  • Local agencies may face new challenges in managing extended probation terms.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-23 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

  2. 2026-04-22 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 22).

  3. 2026-04-06 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  4. 2026-03-26 California Legislative Information

    Read second time and amended.

  5. 2026-03-25 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 24).

  6. 2026-03-09 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.

  7. 2026-02-23 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  8. 2026-02-11 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 13.

  9. 2026-02-10 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1816, as amended, Davies.
Probation: duration.
Existing law authorizes courts that have jurisdiction in misdemeanor cases to suspend the sentence and make and enforce terms of probation in those cases, for a period not to exceed one year, except as specified. Existing law authorizes the court, in an order granting probation, to suspend the imposition or execution of the sentence and direct the suspension to continue for a period of time not exceeding 2 years, except for specified offenses, including, among others, violent felonies and embezzlement.
This bill would remove the 2-year limit for specified sex crimes, serious felonies, and offenses for which the probation department files a petition to the court and the court makes a finding that the defendant has not successfully completed probation and needs additional time for programming. The bill would instead authorize probation for a period
of time not to exceed the maximum possible term of the sentence, as specified. By increasing the duration of probation, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would, for an offender required to register as a sex offender as a condition of probation, if the probation department files a petition to the court and the court makes a finding the defendant has not successfully completed probation and additional time is necessary for programming, authorize the court to order the term of probation to continue for a period not exceeding one additional year.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF