BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair
1906 (Cook)
Hearing Date: 06/28/2010 Amended: 04/06/2010
Consultant: Jacqueline Wong-HernandezPolicy Vote: Judiciary 5-0
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BILL SUMMARY: AB 1906 would authorize the presiding judge of San
Bernardino County Superior Court, or the judge appointed by the
presiding judge to supervise the grand jury, to impanel an
additional civil grand jury, as specified. This bill provides
that the additional civil grand jury may inquire into matters of
oversight, conduct investigations, issue reports, and make
recommendations, but shall not have jurisdiction to issue
indictments.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2010-11 2011-12
2012-13 Fund
Grand jury authorization Potentially significant;
non-reimbursable costs Local
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STAFF COMMENTS:
This bill authorizes the presiding judge of the San Bernardino
County Superior Court or the judge appointed by the presiding
judge to supervise the grand jury, to impanel an additional
civil grand jury in the county. As provided in this bill, the
additional civil grand jury would inquire into matters of
oversight, conduct investigations, issue reports, and make
recommendations, but would not have jurisdiction to issue
indictments.
The provisions of this bill are permissive, and do not
constitute a state mandate on the County of San Bernardino.
Impaneling grand juries, and their related costs, are a county
responsibility unless otherwise provided for in statute. All
costs incurred by impaneling an additional, optional civil grand
jury will be borne by San Bernardino County.