California Delivers Youth Probation Reform as Governor Newsom Signs Assemblymember Mia Bonta’s AB 1376

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1376, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), a landmark youth probation reform measure that has been years in the making. The new law will bring relief to California youth who previously faced excessive and harmful probation sentences that disrupted their education, livelihoods, and development.

“Too many young people felt forgotten and trapped in endless cycles of probation,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta. “This system kept bright members of our future generations from normal development and failed to provide rehabilitation opportunities. For the over 10,000 young Californians who navigate probation each year, I’m glad they will now face a system designed to help them succeed rather than perpetuate cycles of law enforcement involvement. I am proud California took this opportunity to support evidence-based solutions and address the school-to-prison pipeline.”

Under AB 1376, non-custodial wardship probation is limited to 12 months after a youth’s most recent hearing, unless the court determines an extension is in the best interest of the youth and the public. Probation conditions must also be personalized, developmentally appropriate, proportional, and not excessive. Youth will receive regular court check-ins to ensure access to tailored programs and resources.

Currently, 86% of youth on probation in California are youth of color, and many face as many as 50 separate requirements—each a potential technical violation that can extend supervision and prevent normal adolescent development. Research shows such conditions increase instability, school disengagement, employment struggles, and repeated carceral system involvement.

“This is a landmark victory for youth justice in California. By signing AB 1376 into law, Governor Newsom has taken a major step toward confronting the racial inequities that plague our youth justice system. This law reforms a broken system that disproportionately harms youth of color, who represent 86% of those on probation and spend significantly longer under supervision than white youth.  AB 1376 will dramatically reduce the time young people spend in cycles of endless probation that pulls them deeper into the system instead of supporting their growth and success,” said Laura Ridolfi, Policy Director of the Haywood Burns Institute.

“We thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 1376 into law, and commend Assemblymember Bonta for her steadfast advocacy on behalf of California youth,” said Anne Irwin, founder and director of Smart Justice California.  “With AB 1376 California has taken a significant step toward improving community safety and establishing a more just and effective youth probation system that incentivizes positive behavior.”

The law will take effect on January 1, 2026.

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Assemblymember Mia Bonta represents California’s 18^th Assembly District encompassing the East Bay including Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. She also chairs the Assembly Health Committee.

Courtesy photos can be found HERE.