Newsom signs two laws on California public defense

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws addressing weaknesses in California’s public defense system, marking a state action on how public defense is supported and administered.

The action

Newsom signed both measures. The laws are intended to address weaknesses in California’s public defense system.

The public defense system provides legal representation in criminal cases for people who cannot afford a lawyer. The two signed laws concern that system, but their individual requirements are not identified here.

What is established

The action was taken by the governor, and both laws were signed. The measures now form part of California’s law governing public defense.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported on the signing. Read the Santa Cruz Sentinel report.

What comes next

The effects of the laws will depend on the requirements written into each measure and how state and local public defense offices carry them out. The signing itself is the confirmed state action in this development.