The Joint Legislative Audit Committee of the California State Assembly convened on June 18, 2025, to discuss a proposed audit aimed at improving the state's victim restitution system. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the effectiveness and transparency of current restitution processes, which are intended to ensure that crime victims receive compensation from offenders.

Senator Ashby introduced the audit proposal, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of how restitution payments are collected and distributed. The audit seeks to evaluate the procedures of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Franchise Tax Board, and the Victim Compensation Board, as well as county collection programs. Currently, many victims receive little to no compensation despite restitution orders averaging around $10,000. The senator noted that the existing system often leaves offenders in debt while failing to adequately support crime survivors.

Delaney Green, a clinical supervisor from UC Berkeley Law, testified about the fragmented nature of the restitution system, revealing that only about 13% of ordered restitution is collected, with some surveys indicating as few as 4% of survivors receive any payments. She pointed out that the current model is financially unsustainable and creates significant barriers for both victims and those ordered to pay restitution.

Esteban Nunez, representing the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, shared his personal experience with the restitution system, describing it as confusing and opaque. He highlighted the emotional toll of navigating the bureaucratic process and the lack of clarity regarding where payments are directed. Nunez expressed strong support for the audit, advocating for a system that prioritizes transparency and accountability.

The audit will focus on several key objectives, including evaluating the collection and distribution processes over a ten-year period, assessing demographic impacts on individuals ordered to pay restitution, and reviewing the financial health of the state restitution fund. The committee anticipates that the audit will require substantial resources, estimating over 4,400 hours to complete.

Representatives from the California Victim Compensation Board and the Franchise Tax Board also provided insights into their roles in the restitution process. They acknowledged the challenges faced by victims and the complexities of managing restitution orders and fines.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to pursue the audit, which aims to address systemic disparities in the restitution system and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve. The findings from this audit could lead to significant policy changes in California's approach to victim restitution.