Bill
AB 1213
Overview: AB 1213, the Restitution: priority bill, was chaptered by the California Secretary of State as Chapter 184 of the Statutes of 2025. It was introduced on February 21, 2025
Overview: AB 1213, the Restitution: priority bill, was chaptered by the California Secretary of State as Chapter 184 of the Statutes of 2025. It was introduced on February 21, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to establish a clear order of priority for the distribution of restitution payments made by criminal offenders. The legislation is intended to ensure that victims receive the full amount of restitution owed to them before other financial obligations are satisfied.
Key Provisions:
- Requires restitution payments to be distributed in the following order of priority:
1. Victim restitution
2. Victim-related fees and assessments
3. Other fines, fees, and assessments
- Prohibits the use of restitution payments to satisfy other financial obligations until the victim has been fully compensated
- Mandates that restitution orders be enforced as civil judgments, with the same collection methods and enforcement mechanisms
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would primarily benefit victims of crime by ensuring they receive the full amount of restitution owed to them. Criminal offenders would be required to prioritize victim restitution over other financial obligations. The criminal justice system, including courts and probation departments, would be responsible for implementing and enforcing the new restitution distribution requirements.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been chaptered by the California Secretary of State and is now law. The new restitution distribution requirements are expected to be implemented within 3-6 months, allowing time for updates to court procedures and offender payment processing systems.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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