Bill to cut back what kids pay for crimes heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk

Updated Aug. 28, 11:34 a.m.

The California Legislature passed a bill on Tuesday that would change how young people convicted of a crime pay for it by cutting back on restitution for minors. 

Minors would still pay for damage caused in crimes if they are convicted, but they won’t have to pay a fine on top of that. 

J Vasquez, policy and legal services manager for the youth restorative justice advocacy group CURYJ, said the fees are hard for kids to pay.

“When they get these restitution fines, it keeps not just that child in a state of poverty, but their family,” he said. 

The UC Berkeley Law Policy Advocacy Clinic found only 13% of restitution ordered is ever paid, usually because people can’t afford it. Vasquez said that debt follows young people into adulthood.

“What we're talking about is wealth extraction from primarily Black and brown families,” he said. 

The bill would also require the court to split the cost of damage when multiple people are convicted of the same crime rather than charging them each the full amount. It does not walk back restitutions that are already owed, but it does make them uncollectable after 10 years. 

“This bill alleviates the economic hardships faced by many families burdened by youth restitution fines and makes the assessment of youth restitution more equitable,” said bill sponsor State Assembly member Mia Bonta (D-Oakland). 

The bill is now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.