AB 2685 Summary

• Allows a representative of the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board to provide the probation department, district attorney, and court with information about the board's losses prior to sentencing.

• Expands notice requirements for deceased persons' estates to include situations where an heir or beneficiary is or has been confined in a correctional facility, requiring notice within 90 days of death.

• Clarifies that estate representatives must give notice only when they know (rather than have reason to believe) that an heir is incarcerated, reducing investigative burden.

• Extends the definition of "beneficiary" alongside "heir" in provisions regarding confined individuals in estates under the Probate Code.

• Permits crime victims to submit written, audio, video, or digital statements to the court regarding the crime and need for restitution, with statements remaining sealed until sentencing.