(a) The California Access to Justice Commission (commission), a nonprofit public benefit corporation, is authorized to receive funding as appropriated by the Legislature.
(b) The purposes for which the commission may receive and use funding shall include any or all of the following:
(1) To provide ongoing leadership in efforts to achieve full and equal access to justice for all Californians, including indigent and moderate-means Californians, immigrants, children and families, seniors, persons with disabilities, persons in rural areas, veterans, and others currently unable to meet their legal needs.
(2) To identify and promote improved methods of delivering legal help through coordinated efforts among the three branches of government, the public, attorneys, and others in the public and private sectors.
(3) To carry out functions designated for the commission in legislation or the annual Budget Act, including, but not limited to, administering grant programs and programs supporting the recruitment and retention of legal aid attorneys.
(4) To encourage increases in the resources available to achieve equal access to justice, including funding for legal help for people who cannot afford to pay, and donated time and effort by pro bono lawyers and others.
(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 34, Sec. 7. (SB 133) Effective June 30, 2023.)