Strengthen the Racial Justice Act: Ask the Governor to Sign AB 1071
AB 1071 (Kalra) strengthens California’s commitment to a justice system free from racial bias. Help us get this reform across the finish line.
California is one signature away from a stronger, fairer justice system. To ensure the landmark Racial Justice Act (RJA) delivers on its promise of equal treatment under the law, we need you to ask Governor Newsom to sign AB 1071.
The RJA was a historic step toward confronting racial bias in our courts. However, gaps in implementation are leaving people unprotected. Courts have struggled to apply the law consistently. This inconsistency creates unnecessary barriers for those seeking relief from convictions or sentences influenced by race, ethnicity, or national origin.
AB 1071 fixes roadblocks to enforcing the law. It removes procedural barriers and gives courts the guidance they need to enforce the RJA. The bill:
- Clarifies that people who have been convicted and have a claim under the RJA must be provided with a lawyer if they can’t afford one. This is applicable if the State Public Defender asks for it.
- Guarantees access to crucial information so people can bring claims under the RJA.
- Requires courts to take action if racial discrimination or bias is proven. Judges are given the choice as to what the right action should be.
AB 1071 reflects lessons from real cases and feedback from public defenders, legal practitioners, and the California Supreme Court. It keeps the Legislature’s intent clear: racism has no place in our justice system. As co-sponsors of both the original RJA and the Racial Justice Act for All, the League of Women Voters of California remains deeply committed to ensuring the law works as intended.