SB 1194: Immigration Legal Fellowship Project.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services, subject to an appropriation, to provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations through contracts, in order to provide certain immigration-related legal services to persons residing in, or formerly residing in, the state. Under existing law, those grants are aimed at obtaining certain immigration remedies and benefits, assisting with the naturalization process and an appeal arising from the process, or providing legal training and technical assistance.

This bill would establish the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project within the department for the purpose of expanding access to high-quality immigration legal services by supporting legal fellowships for qualified individuals who provide immigration legal services under the grant programs described above. The bill would require the department to award grants or enter into contracts with nonprofit entities to operate legal fellowships that include specified components, including, among other things, the recruitment, placement, coordination, and hosting of legal fellows. The bill would authorize the department to establish eligibility criteria, application requirements, and funding priorities for the program. The bill would require the department to include specified information relating to the use of funds appropriated for the purposes of the project in reports and updates provided to the Legislature regarding other immigration-related programs. The bill would provide that the implementation of these provisions is contingent on an appropriation for these purposes.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 27, 2026In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
2. September 27, 2026Vetoed by the Governor.
3. August 24, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
4. August 19, 2026In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
5. August 19, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 59. Noes 12. Page 6266.) Ordered to the Senate.
6. August 13, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
7. August 13, 2026From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 11. Noes 3.) (August 13).
8. August 13, 2026Assembly Rule 63 suspended.
9. August 5, 2026August 5 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.
10. June 23, 2026Coauthors revised.
11. June 23, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 3.) (June 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
12. June 17, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 6. Noes 1.) (June 16). Re-referred to Com. on JUD.