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CA SB36: Pretrial release: risk assessment tools.

Enacted California · 2019–2020 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

SB36 · where it stands

4 of 5 steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Date not recorded
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

SB 36 regulates algorithmic pretrial risk assessment tools used in release decisions. Each pretrial services agency using one must validate it by January 1, 2021 and at least every 3 years, and publish information about the tool, including validation studies. The Judicial Council must list agencies that meet these requirements, publish annual reports on outcomes and potential bias in pretrial release, and report by July 1, 2022 with recommendations to reduce bias and disparate effects.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Vendors of pretrial risk assessment tools and the agencies using them must support validation and public transparency.

Key provisions

  1. Validation of pretrial risk assessment tools by January 1, 2021 and at least every 3 years
  2. Public disclosure of tool information and validation studies
  3. Judicial Council list of compliant pretrial services agencies
  4. Annual Judicial Council report on outcomes and potential bias
  5. Recommendations to mitigate bias and disparate effect in pretrial decisions

Latest legislative action

Oct 8, 2019. Approved by the Governor October 8, 2019. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 589, Statutes of 2019.

Topics and industries

Related topics

Automated Decision-MakingAI in Law Enforcement

Affected industries

GovernmentTechnology

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

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Same topic in other states

Idaho H0118 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE – Adds to existing law to provide certain requirements and re Utah HB366 Criminal Justice Amendments Virginia HB1642 Artificial intelligence-based tool; definition, use of tool. New York A09654 Enacts the New York Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act establishing protec Nebraska LB77 Adopt the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act and provide for insur Minnesota HF4138 Social media platforms; requirements related to accounts for minors established