CA SB16

Authorizes counties to apply to the Controller for reimbursement of defense costs when the Attorney General handles prosecution of nonhomicide crimes, applicable to trials commencing on or after January 1, 2012.

Defines reimbursable "costs incurred by the county" as all costs except normal salaries and expenses for public defender investigation, defense, and related proceedings including pretrial hearings and postconviction proceedings.

Limits reimbursement to cases where the Attorney General is handling prosecution due to scope and complexity of the case, excluding cases where a district attorney is recused solely for conflict of interest or other reasons unrelated to case complexity.

Restricts reimbursable travel costs to 1,000 miles per single round trip without Attorney General approval and caps per diem and travel expenses at California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board standards.

Requires legislative appropriation for reimbursement funds, which remain available for three fiscal years before reverting to the General Fund, and directs the Controller to adopt implementing regulations.