Bill Text: CA AR13 | 2013-2014 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relative to homeless court programs.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-05-07 - In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. [AR13 Detail]
Download: California-2013-AR13-Introduced.html
BILL NUMBER: HR 13 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Williams MARCH 14, 2013 Relative to homeless court programs. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST WHEREAS, There are approximately 132,931 homeless people in California; and WHEREAS, People experiencing homelessness often receive citations for minor offenses such as traffic tickets, infractions, and various minor misdemeanors, including jaywalking, riding public transportation without a fare, sleeping in public places, illegal use of shopping carts, possession of an open container of alcohol in public, obstructing traffic on the sidewalk, and sleeping on a bus bench, as well as any warrants that arise for failure to resolve these minor offenses; and WHEREAS, Outstanding warrants limit the reintegration into society of the homeless, deterring them from using social services and impeding their access to employment. They are effectively blocked from obtaining driver's licenses, job applications, and rental agreements; and WHEREAS, Homeless courts are special court sessions held in local shelters or community centers for homeless defendants to resolve outstanding misdemeanor offenses and warrants. Several jurisdictions in California have instituted Homeless court programs, including the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Humboldt, Kern, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and Ventura, and the Cities of Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, and Santa Maria; and WHEREAS, Homeless court programs reduce court and jail costs, build community collaboration, improve access to court, and assist homeless people in accessing vital services and jobs; and WHEREAS, To counteract the effect of criminal cases pushing homeless defendants further outside society, these programs combine a progressive plea bargain system, alternative sentencing structure, assurance of "no custody," and proof of program activities to address a full range of misdemeanor offenses and bring homeless defendants back into society; and WHEREAS, These courts are funded and operated by local jurisdictions; and WHEREAS, The benefits to a county that has instituted a successful homeless court program are extraordinary; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly hereby encourages county governments to find ways to make homeless courts more accessible, such as allowing people to bring multiple cases to court per year instead of limiting them to one, and allowing fines to be recalled from collection by the county or collections agencies; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for the appropriate distribution.