StateCalifornia

AB 1951: Civil actions: filing fees: refunds.

Diane DixonIntroduced

AB 1951 status: Introduced — Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar (updated Jun 30, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score70/100 civic fit
RiskLow risk
ImpactLow impact

Bill summary

Official

Existing law provides that a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint by the court. Existing law provides that if a court clerk accepts for filing a complaint or other first paper, or any subsequent filing, and payment is made in an amount less than the required fee or by check that is later returned without pay...

Key analysis

Constitutionality80%
Bipartisan50%
Public opinion50%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • No direct environmental benefit identified

Risks

  • No direct environmental risk identified

Economy

Positive Outlook
60%

Benefits

  • Expands payment options for court fees, potentially increasing timely payments.
  • Clarifies procedures for handling returned payments and electronic filing fees, reducing administrative ambiguity.

Risks

  • May impose additional administrative charges for returned payments.

Society

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • No direct social benefit identified

Risks

  • No direct social risk identified
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

LegiScan

Confidence

high

high

Analysis status

LegiScan full bill text

Warning

The bill expands the types of payment methods for which returned payment procedures apply, potentially affecting more filers.

Limitation

The bill amends existing code sections; full understanding requires review of the original statutes.

4

Where it stands

1

Introduced

Current

Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.

2

Committee

Upcoming
3

Floor

Upcoming
4

Governor

Upcoming
5

Enacted

Upcoming
5

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6

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