A new independent commission, including legislators and public defenders, will develop a five-year plan to reform California's underfunded public defense system. - California is one of only two states not funding basic public defense.
- A CalMatters investigation found defendants often convicted without investigations. - The commission will propose state funding and enforceable standards like caseload limits.
- First public meeting in Berkeley in October. The commission aims to move from discussion to actionable reforms, potentially serving as a catalyst for legislative change or legal challenges.