New and Amended Statutes Edition

NOTE:  For this update, it is recommended that you download & view as as PDF.  This will enable you to review the document with proper page numbers for quick reference.  You can search here by pressing Ctrl+F (on a PC) or the same when searching a PDF document. 

THIS EDITION’S WORDS OF WISDOM: 

"My goal this weekend is to move only enough so people know I’m not dead.”  (Unknown)

IN THIS ISSUE:                                                                                         

Administrative Notes:                                                                                                 pg:

New and Amended Statutes; Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

            New and Amended Statutes:

Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Arrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Cannabis (Marijuana) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Census Taking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Child Abuse  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Computers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Controlled Substances  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Criminal Profiteering  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . .10

Deepfake Photos and Videos  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Disorderly Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .12

DNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 12

Elder Abuse  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Firearms, Ammunition, and Deadly Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 14

Fish and Game  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 26     

Human Trafficking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 28

Juveniles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . 31

Law Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Law Enforcement Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34

Marijuana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 36

Mental Patients  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  36

Pitchess Motions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Plea Bargains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . 40

Police Officer Use of Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Posse Comitatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Pretrial Diversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Prisoners  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Prostitution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Search Warrants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Service of Process; Subpoenas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Sex Offenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Spoofing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Theft  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Tobacco Products and Smoking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Vehicle Code Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Veterans  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Victims and Witnesses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

 

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES:

 

New and Amended Statutes; Disclaimer:  The statutes listed here are not intended to cover the entire body of the Legislature’s work for 2019, nor the multiple Initiatives approved at the voters’ booth.  Only those statutes believed to be of interest to most law enforcement officers, with the concerns of prosecutors in mind, are included.  Sentencing rules, typically covered better in other publications and other technical, non-substantive changes, have been avoided except when important to the substance of a new or amended offense.  Statutes that affect post-conviction (i.e., appellate) proceedings are also not included.  Most of the statutes that are included have been severely paraphrased, the degree of detail being dependent upon the newness, importance, and/or complexity of the statute.  Other statutes, due to their importance and complexity, have been included, word-for-word, in their entirety.  Although I have made a sincere effort to avoid taking any part of a statute out of context, it is strongly recommended that the unedited statute be consulted before attempting to use it either in the field or the courtroom.  The effective date of each new or amended statute is January 1, 2020, unless otherwise indicated.

 

NEW AND AMENDED STATUTES:

 

Animals:

 

Food & Agri. Code §§ 30503.5, 30526 (New; AB 588):  Dog Bite Cases; Notification Requirements to New Owner:

 

An animal shelter or rescue group that knows that a dog, at the age of four months or older, bit a person and broke the skin, thus requiring a state-mandated bite quarantine, must do two things before selling, giving away, or releasing the dog:

 

1. Disclose in writing to the person to whom the dog is sold, given, or released, the dog’s known bite history and the circumstances related to the bite; and 

 

2.   Obtain a signed acknowledgment from the buyer/receiver.

 

Punishment:  A civil ne of up to $500, to be imposed by the city or county in which the animal shelter or rescue group is located.  

 

Health & Safety Code §§ 26220-26230, inclusive (New; AB 1125) “Animal Control Officer Standards Act;” Certification of Animal Control Officers:

 

New Chapter 20.5 (Div. 20) in the Health and Safety Code is established to provide voluntary statewide standards for animal control officers. 

 

The Board of Directors of the California Animal Welfare Association is to develop and maintain standards for “certi ed animal control officers.”

 

The Animal Control Officer Standards Act sets forth a number of duties for the Board.

 

The new sections provide the minimum standards and training required for one to become a certi ed animal control officer and provides that the education and training standards the Board adopts cannot be less rigorous. Continuing education requirements after certi cation are also provided. 

 

A person may not use the title “certi ed animal control officer” unless he or she holds a valid certi cate of registration. 

 

Note:  Establishing a certified animal control officer program is voluntary.  Local agencies and employers are not required to require their animal control officers to become certi ed.

 

 

 

Arrests:

 

Civil Code § 43.54 (New; AB 668):  Civil Arrests in a Courthouse:

 

A person “shall not be subject to civil arrest in a courthouse while attending a court proceeding or having legal business in the courthouse.”  (Subd. (a))

 

This restriction does not apply to arrests made pursuant to a valid judicial warrant and does not narrow or lessen any existing common law privilege.  (Subd. (b) & (c))

 

Note:  The Legislative history of this bill provides that its purpose is to prevent arrests in courthouses by federal Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.  Taking an undocumented alien into federal custody (apparently) qualifies as a “civil arrest.”

 

See also Code of Civ. Proc. § 177 (Amended), where the section is amended to provide that a judicial officer has the power “to prohibit activities that threaten access to state courthouses and court proceedings, and to prohibit interruption of judicial administration, including protecting the privilege from civil arrest at courthouses and court proceedings.”

 

Pen. Code § 647.3 (New; SB 233) Reporting Related Misdemeanor Drug or Prostitution Crime; Victims and Witnesses:

 

1. A person who reports being a victim of, or a witness to:

 

A serious felony as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7,

An assault in violation of subdivision (a) of Section 245,

Domestic violence in violation of Section 273.5,

Extortion in violation of Section 518,

Human trafficking in violation of Section 236.1,

Sexual battery in violation of subdivision (a) of Section 243.4, or

Stalking in violation of Section 646.9,

 

. . . shall not be arrested for any of the following offenses if that offense is related to the crime that the person is reporting or if the person was engaged in that offense at or around the time that the person was the victim of, or witness to, the crime they are reporting:

 

(1) A misdemeanor violation of the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code.

 

(2) A violation of Section 372, subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 647, or Section 653.22, if the offense is related to an act of prostitution.

 

(b) Possession of condoms in any amount shall not provide a basis for probable cause for arrest for a violation of Section 372, subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 647, or Section 653.22 if the offense is related to an act of prostitution.

 

Note:  P.C. § 372 is the crime of maintaining a public nuisance. P.C. § 647(a) is the crime of committing a lewd act in public. P.C. § 647(b) is the crime of prostitution.  P.C. § 653.22 is the crime of loitering with the intent to commit prostitution.

 

See also Evid. Code § 782.1 (Repealed and Added):  “Admissibility of Evidence; Possession of Condom; Offense Related to Prostitution,” and Evid. Code § 1162 (Amended):  “Immunity from Prosecution for Prostitution,” under “Prostitution,” below.

 

See also Pen. Code § 647.3 (New) “Reporting Related Misdemeanor Drug or Prostitution Crime; Victims and Witnesses” under “Arrests,” above.

 

Boats:

 

Har. & Nav. Code § 651 (Amended; AB 1183):  Operator of a Vessel, Defined:

 

The de nition of a vessel “operator” is expanded from merely a person aboard a vessel who is steering the vessel while underway, to also include a person aboard a vessel who is responsible for the operation of the vessel while underway, and also a person aboard a vessel who is at least 18 years of age and is attentive and supervising the operation of the vessel by a person age 12, 13, 14, or 15, pursuant to H&N Code § 658.5.

 

Note:  Har. & Nav. Code § 658.8 provides  that a person age 12 through 15 is prohibited from operating a speci ed vessel unless accompanied by a person who is at least 18 years old and who is attentive and supervising the operation of the vessel.  

 

Har. & Nav. Code § 668.5 (New; SB 393):  Impoundment of a Vessel Upon the Owner being Convicted of DUI with the Unlawful Killing of a Person:

 

A court, upon the conviction of a vessel owner for a violation of Har. & Nav. Code § 655(b) (operating a vessel, water skis, aquaplane, or similar device while under the in uence of alcohol) that resulted in the unlawful killing of a person, is authorized to impound the vessel for between one and 30 days. The court is permitted to consider factors such as whether impoundment would result in the loss of employment by the vessel owner or a member of the owner’s family, whether the vessel might be lost due to an inability to pay impoundment fees, unfair infringement on community property rights, or other factors the court nds to be relevant.

 

Cannabis (Marijuana):

 

Bus. & Prof. Code § 26031.5 (New, Effective 7/1/19; AB 97):  Citations for Cannabis Regulation Violations:

 

A licensing authority may issue a citation, as described, to a licensee or unlicensed person for any act or omission that violates the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MAUCRSA,” Proposition 64, November 2016), or any regulation adopted pursuant to it. 

 

The licensing authority is required to assess an administrative ne of up to $5,000 per violation by a licensee and up to $30,000 per violation by an unlicensed person, which is separate from, and in addition to, all other criminal, civil, and administrative remedies.

 

Bus. & Prof. Code § 26063 (Amended; SB 185):  Truth in Advertising Marketed Cannabis:

 

The truth-in-advertising provisions for which county-marketed marijuana is grown in, is expanded to also apply to the kind of cannabis contained in the product.  Cannabis shall not be advertised, marketed, labeled, or sold using an appellation of origin likely to mislead a consumer as to the kind of cannabis he or she is purchasing.

 

By January 1, 2021, the Department of Food and Agriculture is required to establish a process by which licensed cultivators may establish “appellations of origin,” including standards, practices, and “cultivars” (i.e., “a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.”) applicable to cannabis produced in a certain geographical area in California.

 

Bus. & Prof. Code § 26071 (New; SB 34):  Free Cannabis for Medical Cannabis Patients:

 

A cannabis licensee is given authorization to provide free cannabis or cannabis products to a qualified medicinal cannabis patient or the patient’s primary caregiver upon following the procedures described in the section, including recording the action in the retailer’s inventory records and the “track and trace system,” but only after ensuring that the physician who recommended cannabis for the patient is in good standing.

 

The cannabis or cannabis products provided to a medicinal cannabis patient or the primary caregiver of the patient in a single day shall not exceed the possession limits prescribed by H&S Code § 11362.77.

 

This section become operative upon completion of the necessary changes to the “track and trace program” in order to implement the act adding this section, as determined by the Department of Food and Agriculture, or on March 1, 2020, whichever occurs first.

 

Bus. & Prof. Code § 26122 (New; AB 1529):  The Universal Cannabis Symbol:

 

The universal cannabis symbol shall be displayed on a cannabis cartridge or integrated cannabis vaporizer that contains cannabis or a cannabis product, and may be as small as one-quarter inch by one-quarter inch.   

 

The following definitions are listed in subd. (b):

 

(1) “Cannabis cartridge” means a cartridge containing cannabis oil that is intended to be affixed to an electronic device that heats the oil and creates an aerosol or vapor.

 

(2) “Integrated cannabis vaporizer” means a singular device that contains both cannabis oil and an integrated electronic device that creates an aerosol or vapor.

 

Note:  Existing B&P § 26130(c)(7) requires cannabis products to be marked with a universal symbol, as determined by the State Department of Public Health, through regulation.

 

Note:  The universal cannabis symbol can best be described as a triangle in which is a picture of a marijuana leaf and an exclamation point (i.e., “!”). Below the triangle are the upper case letters, “CA.”

 

Veh. Code § 23229 (Amended; AB 1810):  Cannabis and Cannabis Products in Vehicles:

 

The portion of this statute that exempts a person riding in a bus, taxicab, limousine, housecar or camper, or pedicab as a passenger (i.e., other than the driver) from the prohibition for drinking alcohol or consuming any cannabis or cannabis product in a vehicle, has been amended, deleting the reference to cannabis.  The exemption, therefore, no longer applies to persons smoking or consuming cannabis or cannabis products.

 

Note:  See V.C. §§ 23220, 23221, and 23222, making it illegal for drivers and passengers to use marijuana in vehicles.

 

 

 

 

 

Census Taking:

 

Pen. Code § 529.6  (New; AB 1563):  The “Freedom to Count Act:”

 

Subd. (b)(1):  Falsely representing one’s self as a census taker with the intent to interfere with the operation of the census or with the intent “to obtain information or consent to an otherwise unlawful search and seizure.” 

 

Subd. (b)(2):  Falsely assuming some or all of the activities of a census taker with the intent to interfere with the operation of the census or with the intent “to obtain information or consent to an otherwise unlawful search and seizure.” 

 

Per Subd. (a)(2), “It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all Californians have access to accurate, timely information about the census and that all Californians have the opportunity to participate in the census freely and without fear of fraud, intimidation, or harm.

 

Note:  CDAA indicates that the legislative history of this bill shows that the Legislature’s intent in enacting this new statute is to prevent law enforcement (including, but not limited to, ICE) from impersonating census takers as a ruse to obtain incriminating information from persons to use for deportation (or other) purposes.

 

Punishment:  Misdemeanors; up to one year in jail and/or by a ne of up to $1,000, or both.  (Subd. (b))

 

Child Abuse:

 

Pen. Code § 11165.7 (Amended; AB 189):  Mandated Reporters in Child Abuse Cases:

 

The list of mandated reporters under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (which requires reports about physical abuse and sexual abuse) has been expanded by adding a 47th entry; i.e., a quali ed autism service provider, a quali ed autism service professional, or a quali ed autism service paraprofessional.

 

Pen. Code § 11172 (Amended; AB 819): Protection from Civil or Criminal Liability for Good Faith Reports of Child Abuse or Neglect:

 

New subdivision (d) is added to provide that any person (and not just “mandated reporters,” as already provided for under subd. (a)) who in good faith provides information or assistance, including medical evaluations or consultations, in connection with a report, investigation, or legal intervention pursuant to a good faith report of child abuse or neglect, shall not incur civil or criminal liability as a result of providing that information or assistance. The section provides that this new subdivision does not grant immunity from liability for a person who is suspected of committing the abuse or neglect.

 

Computers:

 

Pen. Code § 502 (Amended; AB 814) Computer Crimes:

 

Subd. (b)(5), where “computer system” is defined, is expanded to include the following:  “A “computer system” includes, without limitation, any such device or system that is located within, connected to, or otherwise integrated with, any motor vehicle as defined in Section 415 of the Vehicle Code.”

 

Controlled Substances:

 

H&S §§ 11590, 11592, 11593 & 11595 (Repealed; AB 1261);

H&S §§ 11591 & 11591.5 (Amended; AB 1261); and

H&S § 11594 (Repealed & Added; AB 1261):  Drug Conviction Registration Requirements:

 

The registration requirements for controlled substance offenses have all been eliminated. Drug offenders no longer have to register for ve years for speci ed drug convictions.

 

H&S §11594, as rewritten, provides that the statements, photographs, and ngerprints obtained pursuant to this section are not open to inspection by the public or by any person other than a regularly employed law enforcement officer. 

 

H&S §§ 11590 11592, 11593 and 11595, all dealing with the five-year registration requirements, have been eliminated.

 

H&S §§ 11591 and 11591.5 continue to require law enforcement, when it is known that an arrestee is a school employee, to report the arrest of a public school employee, a private school teacher, or a community college teacher, to school authorities when the person is arrested for a speci ed controlled substance offense which, by amendment, are all not listed in these section. 

 

Note; Retroactivity: Per CDAA, the repeal of the crime of failing to register will apply retroactively to any H&S § 11594 charge pending on January 1, 2020, and to any conviction of H&S § 11594 that is not yet nal on appeal as of January 1, 2020. Defendants in both of these situations will be able to get their H&S § 11594 charges dismissed.

 

H&S § 24135 (New; AB 851):  Drug Masking Products:

 

The distribution, delivery, sale, or the possession with intent to distribute, deliver, or sell, a “drug masking product,” is prohibited.

 

“Drug masking product” is defined as synthetic urine or any other substance designed to be added to human urine or human hair for the purpose of defrauding (or “defeating”) an alcohol or drug screening test.

 

“Synthetic urine” is defined as a substance that is designed to simulate the composition, chemical properties, physical appearance, or physical properties of human urine.

 

Note:  The section fails to specify a penalty.

 

Criminal Profiteering:

 

Pen. Code § 186.2 (Amended; AB 1294):  Criminal Profiteering and Gambling:

 

A number of gambling crimes (i.e., P.C. §§ 320, 321, 322, 323, 326, 330a, 330b, 330c, 330.1, and 330.4) have been incorporated into the de nition of “criminal pro teering activity.”

 

Note:  Adding these crimes to the de nition of criminal pro teering activity means that the “asset forfeiture” provisions of P.C. § 186.3 are now available for these crimes. P.C. § 186.3 permits the forfeiture of any property interest, tangible or intangible, acquired through a pattern of criminal pro teering activity, and, all proceeds of a pattern of criminal pro teering activity, including things of value that may have been received in exchange for the proceeds immediately derived from the pattern of criminal pro teering activity. The added gambling crimes include illegal lottery activity and slot machine crimes.

 

Deepfake Photos and Videos:

 

Civ. Code § 1708.86 (New; AB 602):  Civil Action for Creating or Disclosing a Sexually Explicit Depiction of an Unconsenting Individual; Exceptions; Damages:

 

A person has a private right of action (i.e., civil) for another producing sexually explicit material.

 

Note:  This is referred to by CDAA as a “deepfake,” which is in turn defined as “a fabricated photograph or video of someone appearing to say or do something that he or she did not say or do.”

 

Under this section, a “depicted individual” has a cause of action against a person who does either of the following:

 

1. Creates and intentionally discloses sexually explicit material and the person knows or reasonably should have known the depicted individual in that material did not consent to its creation or disclosure; Subd. (b)(1), or

 

2. Intentionally discloses sexually explicit material that the person did not create and the person knows the depicted individual in that material did not consent to the creation  of the sexually explicit material.  (Subd. (b)(2))

 

De nes “depicted individual” is defined as an individual who appears, as a result of digitization, to be giving a performance he or she did not actually perform, or to be performing in an altered depiction.  (Subd. (a)(4))

 

The section also provides that there is no liability under this new statute in either of these circumstances:

 

1. The sexually explicit material is disclosed in the course of reporting unlawful activity, exercising law enforcement duties, or in hearings, trials, or other legal proceedings (Subd. (c)(1)); or

 

2. The sexually explicit material is a matter of legitimate public concern; or is a work of political or newsworthy value; or is commentary, criticism, or disclosure that is otherwise protected by the California Constitution or the United States Constitution.  (Subd. (c)(1)(b))

 

Speci cally provided is that sexually explicit material is not of newsworthy value solely because the depicted individual is a public gure.  (Subd. (c)(2))

 

A prevailing plaintiff may recover any of the following (Subd. (e):  

 

1.  An amount equal to the monetary gain made by the defendant from the creation, development, or disclosure of the sexually explicit material;

 

2. Economic and non-economic damages, including damages for emotional distress or  statutory damages in the sum of between $1,500 and $30,000 for all unauthorized acts with respect to any one work (the maximum is $150,000 if the unlawful act was committed with malice);

 

3. Punitive damages;

 

4. Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs; and/or

 

5. Any other available relief, including injunctive relief. 

 

An action must be commenced no later than three years from the date the unauthorized creation, development, or disclosure was discovered or should have been discovered with the exercise of reasonable diligence.  (Subd. (f))

 

 

Disorderly Conduct:

 

Pen. Code § 647 (Amended; AB 1129):  Disorderly Conduct:

 

Subd. (j)(1) of  P.C. § 647 is amended to add “electronic devices” and “unmanned aircraft systems” (i.e., “drones”) to the list of instrumentalities (camera, camcorders, binoculars, mobile phones, etc.) that may not be used to invade the privacy of a person in a bedroom, bathroom, changing room, or any other place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.  

 

DNA:

 

Bus. & Prof. Code § 22949.50 (New; SB 180):  Sales of Gene Therapy Kits:

 

Except as permitted by federal law, a person shall not sell a gene therapy kit in this state unless the seller includes a notice on the seller’s Internet website in a conspicuous location that is displayed to the consumer prior to the point of sale, and on a label on the package containing the gene therapy kit, in plain view and readily legible, stating that the kit is not for self-administration.

 

Note:  Per CDAA, this new statute (and B&P Code § 22949.51, below) is intended to prevent the sale of do-it-yourself “CRISPR kits” (see below) that may be advertised as intended for self-administration despite the federal Food & Drug Administration’s rule that the sale of gene therapy products for self-administration is illegal.  Apparently, the whole procedure is done in an attempt to alter one’s DNA.

 

Bus. & Prof. Code § 22949.51 (New; SB 180):  Gene Therapy Kits; Definitions:

 

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

 

(a) “Gene therapy” refers to the administration of genetic material to modify or manipulate the expression of a gene product, or to alter the biological properties of living cells, for therapeutic use.

 

(b) “Gene therapy kit” refers to a product that is sold as a collection of materials for the purpose of facilitating gene therapy experiments, including, but not limited to, a system for the targeted cutting of DNA molecules, such as type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) systems, including CRISPR-Cas9, as described in Regents of University of California v. Broad Institute, Inc. (2018) 903 F.3rd 1286.

 

Note:  I have no idea what they’re talking about here.

 

 

Elder Abuse:

 

Welf. & Insti. Code §§ 15630.2 (New), 15633, 15633.5, 15640, & 15655.5 (Amended; SB 496):  Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act; Elder Financial Abuse; Mandated Reporters:

 

The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act has been amended as follows:

 

The list of “mandated reporters” of nancial abuse of an elder or dependent adult has been extended to include “broker-dealers” and “investment advisers.” 

 

For purposes of W&I Code §§ 15630.2, the following terms have the following definitions:

 

(1) “Financial abuse” has the same meaning as in Section 15610.30.

 

(2) “Broker-dealer” has the same meaning as in Section 25004 of the Corporations Code.

 

(3) “Investment adviser” has the same meaning as in Section 25009 of the Corporations Code.

 

(4) “Mandated reporter of suspected financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult” means a broker-dealer or an investment adviser.

 

Broker-dealers and investment advisers are permitted to notify a “trusted contact person” designated by the elder or dependent adult to receive notice of known or suspected nancial abuse, unless the trusted contact person is suspected of nancial abuse.

 

Note:  The authority to notify a trusted contact person or delay transactions does not extend to officers and employees of banks and credit unions, who are mandated reporters pursuant to existing W&I § 15630.1.

 

Broker-dealers and investment advisers may temporarily delay disbursements or transactions if nancial abuse is suspected and if they take speci ed steps involving notice to parties who are not suspected of nancial abuse and notice to the local county adult protective services agency, local law enforcement agency, and the Department of Business Oversight.

 

 

Broker-dealers and investment advisers may refuse to honor a power of attorney if suspected nancial abuse is reported. 

 

Punishment:  The failure to report nancial abuse pursuant to new W&I § 15630.2 is the same as that in existing W&I § 15630.1, with a civil penalty of up to $1,000, or, if the failure to report is willful, a civil penalty of up to $5,000, to be paid by the employer of the mandated reporter, to be recovered in a civil action brought by the Attorney General, district attorney, or county counsel. 

 

Note:  Other provisions in new W&I § 15630.2 are similar to the provisions as contained in existing W&I § 15630.1; Civil Penalties for Failure to Report Financial Abuse.

 

Firearms, Ammunition, and Deadly Weapons:

 

H&S Code §§ 1567.90, 1567.91, 1567.92, 1567.93, & 1567.94 (New; SB 172):  Firearms, Ammunition, and Deadly Weapons in Community Care Facilities:

 

“Community care facilities for adults,” licensed by the State Department of Social Services (except for social rehabilitation facilities and adult day programs), are not required to accept, store, or retain rearms or ammunition, according to regulations to be promulgated and implemented by the Department of Social Services.  Provisions about how rearms and ammunition must be stored if a facility permits a resident to have them on the premises are set forth in the statutes. 

 

Such a community care facility for adults is absolutely prohibited from accepting, retaining, or storing a destructive device, a deadly weapon speci ed in existing P.C. § 16590 (i.e., metal knuckles, nunchaku, large-capacity magazine, cane gun, belt buckle knife, wallet gun, etc.), an assault weapon, a machine gun, a short-barreled ri e, or a short-barreled shotgun.

                              

H&S Code §§ 1568.095, 1568.096, 1568.097, 1568.098, & 1568.099 (New; SB 172):  Firearms, Ammunition and Deadly Weapons in Residential Care Facilities for Persons with Chronic Life-Threatening Illnesses:

 

“Residential care facilities for persons with chronic life-threatening illnesses,” licensed by the State Department of Social Services (except for social rehabilitation facilities and adult day programs), are not required to accept, store, or retain rearms or ammunition, according to regulations to be promulgated and implemented by the Department of Social Services.  Provisions about how rearms and ammunition must be stored if a facility permits a resident to have them on the premises are set forth in the statutes. 

 

Such a residential care facility for persons with chronic life-threatening illnesses is absolutely prohibited from accepting, retaining, or storing a destructive device, a deadly weapon speci ed in existing P.C. § 16590 (i.e., metal knuckles, nunchaku, large-capacity magazine, cane gun, belt buckle knife, wallet gun, etc.), an assault weapon, a machine gun, a short-barreled ri e, or a short-barreled shotgun.

 

H&S Code §§ 1569.280, 1569.281, 1569.282, 1569.283, & 1569.284 (New; SB 172):  Firearms, Ammunition and Deadly Weapons in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (the “Keep Our Seniors Safe Act.”):

 

“Residential care facilities for the elderly,” licensed by the State Department of Social Services (except for social rehabilitation facilities and adult day programs), are not required to accept, store, or retain rearms or ammunition, according to regulations to be promulgated and implemented by the Department of Social Services.  Provisions about how rearms and ammunition must be stored if a facility permits a resident to have them on the premises are set forth in the statutes. 

 

Such a residential care facilities for the elderly is absolutely prohibited from accepting, retaining, or storing a destructive device, a deadly weapon speci ed in existing P.C. § 16590 (i.e., metal knuckles, nunchaku, large-capacity magazine, cane gun, belt buckle knife, wallet gun, etc.), an assault weapon, a machine gun, a short-barreled ri e, or a short-barreled shotgun.

 

Pen. Code § 29805 (Amended; SB 172):  Illegal Possession of a Firearm Due to Specified Prior Misdemeanor Conviction:

 

New subd. (c) provides:  Except as provided in Section 29855 (see below), any person who is convicted on or after January 1, 2020, of a misdemeanor violation of Section 25100, 25135, or 25200 (related to the failure to properly store a firearm in a residence), and who, within 10 years of the conviction owns, purchases, receives, or has in possession or under custody or control, any firearm is guilty of a public offense.

 

Punishment:  Felony (wobbler):  In a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.

 

Note:  P.C. § 29855 relates to a peace officer, “whose employment or livelihood is dependent on the ability to legally possess a firearm,” and who is subject to the prohibition as imposed by section 29805 because of a conviction under P.C. §§ 273.5, 273.6, or 646.9, and who may petition a court for relief of this prohibition.

 

Note:  New subd. (c) adds to the other specified misdemeanors (in subd. (a)), a conviction (or outstanding warrant) for which precludes the owning, purchasing, receiving, or possession of, or custody or control of, a firearm for a period of 10 years (or, as noted in subd (b), in the case of a spousal abuse conviction, forever).

 

Pen. Code § 16531 (New; AB 879):  Firearm Precursor Parts:

 

(a) As used in this part, “firearm precursor part” means a component of a firearm that is necessary to build or assemble a firearm and is described in either of the following categories:

 

(1) An unfinished receiver, including both a single part receiver and a multiple part receiver, such as a receiver in an AR-10- or AR-15-style firearm. An unfinished receiver includes a receiver tube, a molded or shaped polymer frame or receiver, a metallic casting, a metallic forging, and a receiver flat, such as a Kalashnikov-style weapons system, Kalashnikov-style receiver channel, or a Browning-style receiver side plate.

 

(2) An unfinished handgun frame.

 

(b) The Department of Justice, consistent with this section, shall provide written guidance and pictorial diagrams demonstrating each category of firearm precursor part specified in subdivision (a).

 

(c) Firearm parts that can only be used on antique firearms, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 16170, are not firearm precursor parts.

 

(d) A firearm precursor part is not a firearm or the frame or receiver thereof. A firearm precursor part that is attached or affixed to a firearm is not subject to the requirements of Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 30400) of Division 10 of Title 4 of Part 6 or Section 18010.

 

Note:  Existing P.C. § 23510 provides that for the purposes of a number of speci ed rearms crimes, that the reference to a “ rearm” includes the frame or receiver of a rearm so that each rearm or the frame or receiver of each rearm constitutes a separate and distinct offense under the speci ed sections.

 

Pen. Code § 16532 (New; AB 879):  Firearm Precursor Part Vendor:

 

(a) As used in this part, “firearm precursor part vendor” means a person, firm, corporation, or other business enterprise that holds a valid firearm precursor part vendor license issued pursuant to Section 30485.

 

(b) Commencing July 1, 2023, a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, and a licensed ammunition vendor, shall automatically be deemed a licensed firearm precursor part vendor if the dealer and licensed ammunition vendor comply with the requirements of Article 2 (commencing with Section 30300) and Article 3 (commencing with Section 30342) of Chapter 1 of Division 10 of Title 4.

 

Note:  See also P.C. § 18010 (Amended; AB 879), which, beginning July 1, 2024, authorizes a district attorney, city attorney, or the Attorney General to bring an action to enjoin the importation  or sale of a rearm precursor part that is unlawfully imported into California or unlawfully sold in California. Also declares that rearm precursor parts that are unlawfully imported into California or unlawfully sold in California are a nuisance and subject to con scation and destruction. 

 

Also Note:  On July 1, 2024, new Chapter 1.5 in Division 10 of Title 4 of Part 6 of the Penal Code entitled “Firearm Precursor Parts” (P.C. §§ 30400 to 30495, inclusive: New; AB 879) will take effect, requiring the sale of rearm precursor parts to be conducted through a “licensed rearm precursor part vendor.”  These new sections also create a number of new misdemeanor crimes and provisions relating to rearm precursor parts.  Per CDAA, the purpose of these new sections is to prevent a person (especially a person prohibited from having a rearm) from purchasing rearm precursor parts (often purchased online) and assembling a rearm at home. As a result, these rearms, referred to as “ghost guns,” have no serial numbers and thus are not traceable by law enforcement.

 

Pen. Code § 16730 (Amended; SB 376):  Definition of “Infrequent” for Purposes of Firearms Sales or Loaning:

 

As amended, this section reads as follows:

 

(a) As used in Section 31815 (i.e., loaning a firearm as a prop) and in Division 6 (commencing with Section 26500) of Title 4 (licensing of firearms dealers), “infrequent” means both of the following are true:

 

(1) The person conducts less than six transactions per calendar year.

 

(2) The person sells, leases, or transfers no more than 50 total firearms per calendar year.

 

(b) As used in this section, “transaction” means a single sale, lease, or transfer of any number of firearms.

 

Pen. Code § 16960 (Amended; AB 1292):  Persons to Whom Firearms Ownership May Pass By Operation of Law:

 

The de nition of “operation of law,” for purposes of P.C. §§ 26500–26590, is expanded by adding additional circumstances under which a rearm is deemed transferred by “operation of law” after the death of the rearm owner so that the transfer is not required to go through a licensed rearms dealer. The amended section adds these persons to the list of those to whom a rearm is transferred by operation of law:

 

1. The personal representative of an estate, if the estate includes a rearm;

 

2. The trustee of a trust that includes a rearm and that was part of a will that created the trust;

 

3. A person acting pursuant to a power of attorney in accordance with Probate Code §§ 4000–4545;

 

4. A limited or general conservator appointed by the court  pursuant to the Probate Code or the Welfare &  Institutions Code;

 

5. A guardian ad litem appointed by the court pursuant to C.C.P. § 372;

 

6. A trustee of a trust that includes a rearm that is under court supervision;

 

7. A special administrator appointed by a court pursuant to Probate Code § 8540; and

 

8.  A guardian appointed by a court pursuant to Probate Code § 1500. 

 

Pen. Code §§ 18108 (New; AB 339), 18109, 18115, 18120, 18150, 18160, 18170, 18175, 18180, 18185, 18190, & 18197 (Amended; AB 12, 61, & 1493; Effective Jan. 1, 2020 & Sept. 1, 2020.): Gun Violence Restraining Orders and Red Flag Statutes:

 

Many alterations were made to California’s existing so-called “Red Flag Statutes,” involving the obtaining and renewing of “Gun Violence Restraining Orders” (GVRO).

 

P.C. § 18108 (New): Written Law Enforcement Policies and Standards:  This new section has been added to require each municipal police department and county sheriff’s department, the CHP, and the University of California and California State University Police Departments, by January 1, 2021, to develop, adopt, and implement written policies and standards for GVROs. The policies and standards must include and requires that they be made available to the public upon request.  

 

P.C. § 18109 (Amended):  Law Enforcement Agency:  The section is amended to add that a petition for a GVRO brought by a law enforcement officer may be made in the name of the law enforcement agency that employs the officer.

 

P.C. § 18115 (Amended):  Relinquishment Form Procedures:  The court is required, when notifying DOJ about a GVRO, to indicate in the notice whether the person led a rearm relinquishment form pursuant to P.C. § 18175(d). The clerk of the court is required to enter the relinquishment of rearm rights form directly into the California Restraining and Protective Order System within one business day of the court issuing a GVRO based on a relinquishment of rearm rights.  If this cannot be done electronically, the court must transmit a copy of the relinquishment form to a local law enforcement agency, which is then required to submit the form directly into the California Restraining and Protective Order System within one business day of receiving the form from the court.

 

P.C. §§ 18175(d), 18120 (Amended) Relinquishment of Firearm Rights If GVRO Petition is Not Contested:  A procedure is added to permit the subject of a petition for a GVRO to le a form with the court voluntarily relinquishing his or her rearm rights for the duration speci ed in the petition, or, if not stated in the petition, for one year from the date of the proposed hearing, and stating that he or she is not contesting the petition. If the subject les the relinquishment form, the court shall issue, without a hearing, a GVRO at least ve court days before the scheduled hearing. If the subject les the relinquishment form within ve court days before the scheduled hearing, the court is required to issue the GVRO as soon as possible without a hearing. If the subject les a relinquishment form and has not already surrendered rearms, ammunition, and magazines, the subject must follow the surrender procedures in existing P.C. § 18120 within 48 hours of ling the relinquishment form.  The surrender may be to a local law enforcement agency, or rearms and ammunition may be sold or transferred to a licensed rearms dealer.

 

P.C. § 18175(e)(1), P.C. § 18190(f)(1) (Amended):  GVRO’s may be obtained for between one to five years, depending upon the circumstances.

 

P.C. § 18175(e)(2) (Amended): In determining how long to impose a GVRO, the court is required to consider the circumstances as speci ed in P.C. § 18175(b); e.g.:

 

1. The subject of the petition posing a signi cant danger of causing personal injury to himself/herself or to another person by having a rearm or ammunition; and

 

2. A GVRO being necessary to prevent personal injury to the subject of the petition or to another person because less restrictive alternatives are inadequate or inappropriate. 

 

P.C. §§ 18180(b) and 18185(a) (Amended): A “GVRO Termination Hearing” is provided for the purpose of determining whether a GVRO in issue should be terminated.

 

P.C. § 18180(b) (Amended):  Require the court to provide the restrained person with a form for requesting the termination hearing.  

 

P.C. §§ 18150, 18170, 18190 (Amended):  Lists those who may seek an ex parte GVRO, or a GVRO after notice and hearing, or a renewal of a GVRO.  The list has been expanded from an immediate family member or law enforcement to add three new categories: 

 

1. An employer of the subject of the petition;

 

2. A co-worker of the subject of the petition, if he or she had substantial and regular interaction with the subject for at least one year and has obtained approval of the employer; and

 

3. An employee or teacher of a secondary or post-secondary school that the subject has attended in the last six months, so long as the employee or teacher has obtained the approval of a school administrator or a school administration staff member with a supervisorial role. 

 

Pen. Code § 23640 (Amended; AB 645; Effective June 1, 2020):  Written Warnings on Firearms Packaging:

 

Effective June 1, 2020, a suicide warning is to be added to the warnings about safe handling and storage of rearms that are required on the packaging and descriptive materials accompanying a rearm sold or transferred by a licensed dealer or a licensed manufacturer, adding the following: “If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).”

 

See also P.C. § 31640 (Amended; AB 645; Effective June 1, 2020):  The same warning must be given (by this amendment) to a person taking the test for a handgun safety certi cate.

 

Pen Code §§ 25100 & 25105 (Amended; SB 172) Criminal Storage of a Firearm:

 

The crime of criminal storage of a rearm (P.C. § 25100) has been expanded by eliminating the requirement that the rearm be loaded.

 

P.C. § 25105, which sets forth a number of exceptions to P.C. § 25100, is also amended to delete the word “loaded.”

 

Punishment: 

 

P.C. § 25100(a) (The defendant keeping an unloaded or loaded rearm on his or her premises knowing that a child is likely to gain access to the rearm or that a person prohibited from possessing a rearm is likely to gain access, and the child or prohibited person gains access to the rearm and causes death or great bodily injury to himself/herself or another person): Felony (wobbler), punishable by 16 months, two years, or three years in jail pursuant to P.C. § 1170(h), or by up to one year in jail. (P.C. § 25110(a))

 

P.C. § 25100(b) (The defendant keeping an unloaded or loaded rearm on his or her premises knowing that a child is likely to gain access to the rearm or that a person prohibited from possessing a rearm is likely to gain access, and the child or prohibited person gains access to the rearm and causes injury other than great bodily injury to himself/herself or another person, or carries the rearm either to a public place or in violation of P.C. § 417 (brandishing)): Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or by a ne of up to $1,000. (P.C. § 25110(b))

 

P.C. § 25100(c) (The defendant keeping an unloaded or loaded rearm on his or her premises and negligently stores or leaves the rearm in a location where the person knows, or reasonably should know, that a child is likely to gain access to the rearm.): Misdemeanor, punishable pursuant to P.C. § 19 by up to six months in jail and/or by a ne of up to $1,000. (P.C. § 25110(c))

 

Pen Code § 25200 (Amended; SB 172):  Criminal Storage of a Firearm:

 

The misdemeanor crime of criminal storage of a rearm is expanded to all guns (including long guns) by deleting the reference in the section to a “pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.”

 

Note: 

 

P.C. § 25200(a) applies when a person keeps a rearm on his or her premises knowing that a child is likely to gain access to the rearm or that a person prohibited from possessing a rearm is likely to gain access, and the child or prohibited person gains access to the rearm and carries it off the premises.

 

Punishment:  Misdemeanor; punishable by up to one year in jail and/or by a ne of up to $1,000. 

 

P.C. § 25200(b) applies when a person keeps a rearm on his or her premises knowing that a child is likely to gain access to the rearm or that a person prohibited from possessing a rearm is likely to gain access, and the child or prohibited person gains access to the rearm and carries it off the premises to a school or school-sponsored event.

 

Punishment:  Misdemeanor; punishable by up to one year in jail and/or by a ne of up to $5,000.

 

Pen Code § 25570 (Amended; AB 1292) Exception to the Illegal Transportation of a Concealed Firearm:

 

A new exception is added to the crime of illegally carrying a concealed firearm on the person or in a vehicle, per P.C. § 25400: I.e., The transportation of a rearm by a person who took the rearm from someone who was committing a crime against the taker, and the rearm is being transported to a law enforcement agency “for disposition according to law,” if prior notice is given to the law enforcement agency that the rearm is being transported to it.

 

Pen Code §§ 26392 & 26406 (New; AB 1292):  Exceptions to the Crimes of Openly Carrying of an Unloaded Handgun and Carrying an Unloaded Non-Handgun Firearm In a Prohibited Place, Respectively:

 

Three new exceptions are added by amendments to the prohibitions to the two crimes of (1) openly carrying an unloaded handgun (per P.C. § 26350) and (2) carrying of an unloaded non-handgun rearm in a prohibited place (per P.C. § 26400), as follows:

 

1. Finding a rearm and carrying it in order to comply with Civil Code §§ 2080–2080.10, which sets forth the rights and obligations of a person who takes charge of lost property;

 

2. Finding a rearm and transporting it to a law enforcement agency for disposition according to law, if prior notice is given to the agency that the rearm is being transported to it; and

 

3. Taking a rearm from a person who was committing a crime against the taker and transporting it to a law  enforcement agency for disposition according to law, if  prior notice is given to the agency that the rearm is  being transported to it.

 

Note:  The numerous existing other exceptions to P.C. § 26350 (openly carrying an unloaded handgun) are in P.C. §§ 26361–26391.  Existing exceptions to P.C. § 26400 (carrying an unloaded non-handgun rearm in a prohibited area) are listed in P.C. § 26405.

 

Pen. Code §§ 26556, 26576, 26577, 26581, 26582, & 26589 (New; SB 376, AB 1292);

Pen. Code §§ 27881, 27882, & 27883 (New; SB 172);

Pen. Code §§ 27900 (Repealed & Added) 27937; New; SB 376);

Pen. Code §§  27920 (Amended); 27922 (New; AB 1292):  Exceptions to the Need for a Licensed Firearms Dealer for the Transfer of Firearms:

 

Each section provides for one or more exceptions to the requirement (E.g., per P.C. §§ 26500 and 27545, requiring a person who sells, leases, or transfers a rearm to have a rearm dealer’s license) that the transfer of firearms be through a licensed firearms dealer.

 

Pen. Code § 26835 (Amended; SB 172, AB 645 [Effective June 1, 2020], SB 61 [Effective July 1, 2021]) Licensed Gun Dealers; Notices:

 

Provides for the notices that a licensed rearms dealer is required to post.

 

Pen. Code §§ 26955 & 27655 (Repealed; SB 376) Firearm Transfers at Charitable Auctions; Waiting Period:

 

The exemption that allowed a charitable auction to avoid a waiting period before a dealer could deliver a rearm at an auction or similar event has been repealed.

 

Pen Code §§ 27205, 27210, 27220, 27225, 27235, 27240, 27305, 27310, 27315, 27320, 27340 & 27345 (Amended; AB 1669):  Gun Shows and Ammunition:

 

The laws that apply to the sale of rearms at gun shows is expanded by amendment to also apply to the sale of ammunition at gun shows. Therefore, the producer of a gun show is now required to provide a list to local law enforcement and to DOJ of the persons and organizations that have rented space at the gun show to sell ammunition, in addition to the existing requirement to provide a list of rearm sellers. Gun show vendors must now certify in writing to the gun show producer that they will process all sales or transfers of ammunition through licensed rearms dealers or ammunition vendors.

 

P.C. § 27315 now requires that the sale of ammunition at a gun show comply with all applicable laws, including P.C. §§ 30347, 30348, 30350, 30352, and 30360. 

 

Pen. Code § 27510 (Amended; SB 61):  Semiautomatic Centerfire Rifles Sold or Given to Persons Under the Age of 21:

 

As an exception to the general rule as noted in the section (i.e., that anyone under the age of 21 may not be given or sold any handgun or long gun unless that person is at least 18 and has a valid hunting license or is an active peace officer, active federal officer, reserve peace officer, active military, or has been honorably discharged from the military), it is illegal for anyone to sell or give to a person under the age of 21 a semiautomatic centerfire rifle even if that person has a valid hunting license or has been honorably discharged from the military.

 

Note:  Under the same bill (SB 61), beginning July 1, 2021, P.C. §27535 is amended (with conforming amendments to P.C. §§ 27549 & 27590), adding semiautomatic center re ri es, thus prohibiting a person from making an application to purchase more than one semiautomatic center re ri e in a 30-day period. Previously, P.C. § 27535 applied only to handguns. Starting July 1, 2021, however, it will apply to both handguns and semiautomatic center re ri es. Also, it is speci cally prohibited to make an application to purchase both a handgun and a semiautomatic center re ri e within the same 30-day period.

 

Pen. Code § 29010 (Amended; (SB 376) Number of Manufactured Firearms Annually Requiring a California License:

 

The number rearms manufactured during a calendar year that require a person who has a federal license to manufacture rearms to also be licensed pursuant to California law (i.e.; P.C. §§ 29030–29150) is reduced by amendment from 100 to 50 firearms.

 

Pen. Code § 29805 (Amended; SB 781, 172): Possessing a Firearm with a Criminal Storage Prior Conviction:

 

New subdivision (c) is added, creating a new felony offense of owning, purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm within 10 years of a prior conviction for the felony/misdemeanor crime of being convicted of a speci ed rearm storage crime (P.C. § 25100, 25135, or 25200) occurring on or after January 1, 2020.

 

Punishment:  Felony (wobbler); 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison, or by up to one year in county jail.

 

Pen. Code § 29825 (Amended; AB 164): Possessing a Firearm While Knowing that a Restraining Order, Injunction, or Protective Order Prohibits Such Possession:

 

The felony (subd. (a)) and misdemeanor (subd. (b)) crimes of purchasing, receiving, owning, or possessing a rearm knowing that one is prohibited from doing so by a temporary restraining order, injunction, or protective order have been expanded to include knowing that one is prohibited from doing so by an out-of-state order that includes a rearms prohibition. 

 

Pen Code § 30800 (Amended; AB 879) Assault Weapons and .50 BMG Ri es as a Nuisance:

 

The public nuisance provisions of this section that apply to assault weapons and .50 BMG ri es has been expanded by adding the manufacturing, importing, keeping for sale, offering or exposing for sale, giving, and/or lending these rearms.

 

Punishments:

 

The maximum civil fine possible (except for mere possession) has been increased up to $500 for the rst assault weapon or .50 BMG ri e that is a public nuisance, and up to $200 for each additional assault weapon or .50 BMG ri e that is a public nuisance.

 

The maximum civil ne for possessing an assault weapon or .50 BMG ri e that is a public nuisance is up to $300 for a rst assault weapon or .50 BMG ri e, and up to $100 for each additional one. 

 

Any assault weapon or .50 BMG ri e that is deemed a public nuisance pursuant to this section shall be destroyed, unless there is a nding that the preservation of the weapon is in the interest of justice. 

 

Pen Code § 31700 (Amended; AB 1292 & SB 172):  Exemptions From the Firearm Safety Certi cate Requirement:

 

Additional exemptions have been added to the “ rearm safety certi cate” requirement.  The section now provides that the following persons who take title or possession of a rearm by operation of law in a representative capacity, unless and until they transfer title ownership of the rearm to themselves in a personal capacity, are exempted from the P.C. § 31615(a) rearm safety certi cate requirement:

 

1. The personal representative of an estate;

 

2. The trustee of a trust that includes a rearm and that was part of a will that created the trust;

 

3. A person acting pursuant to a power of attorney in accordance with Probate Code §§ 4000–4545;

 

4. A limited or general conservator appointed by the court pursuant to the Probate Code or Welfare & Institutions Code;

 

5. A guardian ad litem appointed by the court pursuant to C.C.P. 372;

 

6. A trustee of a trust that includes a rearm that is under court supervision;

 

7. A special administrator appointed by a court pursuant to Probate Code 8540; 

 

8. A guardian appointed by a court pursuant to Probate Code 1500; 

 

9. A person who takes possession of a rearm and complies with new P.C. § 27922 by delivering it to a law enforcement agency; and

 

10. A person taking possession of a rearm pursuant to new P.C. § 27882 or new P.C. § 27883.

 

Fish & Game:

 

F&G § 4001 (New; AB 273):  The Wildlife Protection Act of 2019: Trapping of Fur-Bearing Mammals:

 

 

The trapping of any fur-bearing mammal for purposes of recreation or commerce in fur is prohibited.  The raw fur of a fur-bearing mammal otherwise lawfully taken pursuant to the Fish & Game Code or regulations adopted pursuant to it, may not be sold. 

 

Punishment:  Misdemeanor; six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.  (F&G Code §§ 12000(a) and 12002(a))

 

Note:  Per F&G Code § 4000, “fur-bearing mammals” are listed as pine marten, sher, mink, river otter, gray fox, red fox, kit fox, raccoon, beaver, badger, and muskrat.  Per F&G Code § 4005(a), “raw fur” includes any fur, pelt, or skin that has not been tanned or cured, except that salt-cured or sun-cured pelts are raw furs.

 

Note:  See F&G Code § 2023 (New; AB 44), not effective until January 1, 2023, which will make it a misdemeanor to;

 

1. Sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, or distribute for monetary or non-monetary consideration, a “fur product,” and/or

 

2. To manufacture a fur product for sale.

 

Exempted are used fur products, fur products used for religious purposes, fur products used for traditional tribal, cultural, or spiritual purposes by a member of a recognized Native American tribe, and any activity expressly authorized by federal law. 

 

“Fur” is defined as any animal skin or part with hair (with certain listed exceptions), eece, or fur bers attached, either in its raw or processed state.

 

“Fur product” is defined as an article of clothing or covering for any part of the body, or any fashion accessory, including, but not limited to, handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, keychains, toys, trinkets, and home accessories and décor, that is made in whole or in part of fur. 

 

 

F&G § 4150 (Amended; AB 273):  The Wildlife Protection Act of 2019: Trapping of Non-Game Mammals:

 

The trapping of a non-game mammal for purposes of recreation or commerce in fur is prohibited.   The raw fur of a non-game mammal shall not be sold.

 

Punishment:  Misdemeanor; six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.  (F&G Code §§ 12000(a) and 12002(a))

 

Note:  F&G Code § 4150 de nes “nongame mammal” as a mammal occurring naturally in California that is not a game mammal, fully protected mammal, or fur-bearing mammal.

 

Note:  See F&G Code § 2023 (New; AB 44), not effective until January 1, 2023, which will make it a misdemeanor to;

 

1. Sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, or distribute for monetary or non-monetary consideration, a “fur product,” and/or

 

2. To manufacture a fur product for sale.

 

Exempted are used fur products, fur products used for religious purposes, fur products used for traditional tribal, cultural, or spiritual purposes by a member of a recognized Native American tribe, and any activity expressly authorized by federal law. 

 

“Fur” is defined as any animal skin or part with hair, eece, or fur bers attached, either in its raw or processed state.

 

“Fur product” is defined (with certain listed exceptions) as an article of clothing or covering for any part of the body, or any fashion accessory, including, but not limited to, handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, keychains, toys, trinkets, and home accessories and décor, that is made in whole or in part of fur.  Violation is to be a misdemeanor, per F&G Code §§ 12000(a) and 12002(a), with an alternative civil penalty, per F&G Code § 2023(e) (New).

 

F&G Code § 4156 (New; AB 1254):  Hunting, Trapping, and Taking of Bobcats:

 

Subd. (a):  The hunting, trapping, or taking of bobcats is prohibited. 

 

Subd. (b):  Exceptions:

 

(1) The take of a bobcat by a law enforcement officer or licensed veterinarian acting in the course and scope of official duty.

 

(2) The take of a bobcat based on a good faith belief that the take was necessary to protect a person from immediate bodily harm from the bobcat if both of the following conditions are met:

 

(A) The person who committed the take notifies the department within five days after the take.

 

(B) A bobcat or part of the bobcat taken pursuant to this subdivision is not retained, sold, or removed from the site of the take without the authorization from the department.

 

(3) through (6):  The take of a bobcat was pursuant to various listed statutory provisions, including as a part of a program to protect bobcats as an endangered species.

 

Punishment:  Misdemeanor; six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.  (F&G Code §§ 12000(a) and 12002(a))

 

            Welf. & Insti. Code § 8103 (Amended; AB 1968):  Mental Patients and Firearms:

 

See “Mental Patients,” below.

 

Human Trafficking: 

 

Evid. Code § 1038 (Amended; AB 1735):  Confidentiality of Communications Between Human Trafficking Victims and His or Her Caseworker:

 

Subd. (a):  The section is clarified to specify that a privileged “communication” includes communications made orally, in writing, or “otherwise conveyed.”

 

Subd. (a)(3) is expanded to include those who are obligated to claim a confidentiality privilege to a communication between a human trafficking victim and his or her caseworker to even if the caseworker was not the victim’s caseworker at the time the con dential communication was made.

 

Evid. Code § 1038.1 (Amended; AB 1735):  Compelling Disclosure; Ruling on a Claim of Privilege:

 

The sentence that had authorized a court to compel disclosure of a human trafficking caseworker-victim con dential communication if the victim is either dead or not the complaining witness in a criminal action against the perpetrator has been eliminated.

 

Evid. Code § 1038.2 (Amended; AB 1735):  Definitions:

 

The relevant definitions have been expanded and refined to the following:

 

(a) “Confidential communication” means all information, including but not limited to written and oral communication, transmitted between the victim and the human trafficking caseworker in the course of their relationship and in confidence by a means which, so far as the victim is aware, discloses the information to no third persons other than those who are present to further the interests of the victim in the consultation or those to whom disclosures are reasonably necessary for the transmission of the information or an accomplishment of the purposes for which the human trafficking caseworker is consulted and made with the victim’s knowledge and consent. “Confidential communication” includes all information regarding the facts and circumstances relating to all incidences of human trafficking, as well as all information about the children of the victim and the relationship of the victim to the human trafficker.

 

(b) “Holder of the privilege” means:

 

(1) The victim if the victim has no guardian or conservator.

 

(2) A guardian or conservator of the victim if the victim has a guardian or conservator.

 

(3) The personal representative of the victim if the victim is deceased.

 

(c) “Human trafficking caseworker” means a person working for a human trafficking victim service organization, whether financially compensated or not, for the purpose of rendering advice or assistance to victims of human trafficking, who meets the requirements of paragraph (1) or (2) and who also meets the requirements of paragraph (3), if applicable:

 

(1)  Has an advanced degree or license, such as a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field and at least one year of experience in a caseworker role working directly with victims of human trafficking.

 

(2) Has at least 40 hours of training as specified in this paragraph and is supervised by an individual who qualifies as a human trafficking caseworker under paragraph (1). The training, supervised by a person qualified under paragraph (1), shall include, but need not be limited to, the following areas:

 

(A) History of human trafficking.

(B) Civil and criminal law relating to human trafficking.

(C) Systems of oppression.

(D) Peer counseling techniques.

(E) Resources available to victims of human trafficking.

(F) Crisis intervention and counseling techniques.

(G) Role playing.

(H)  Intersections of human trafficking and other crimes.

(I) Client and system advocacy.

(J) Referral services.

(K) Connecting to local, regional, and national human trafficking coalitions.

(L) Explaining privileged communications.

 

(3)  If the caseworker has been employed by a human trafficking service organization for a period of less than six months, that caseworker is supervised by another human trafficking caseworker who has at least one year of experience working with human trafficking victims.

 

(d) “Human trafficking victim service organization” means a nongovernmental organization or entity that provides shelter, program, or other support services to victims of human trafficking and their children and that does all of the following:

 

(1) Employs staff that meet the requirements of a human trafficking caseworker as set forth in this section.

 

(2) Operates a telephone hotline, advertised to the public, for survivor crisis calls.

 

(3) Offers psychological support and peer counseling provided in accordance with this section.

 

(4) Makes staff available during normal business hours to assist victims of human trafficking who need shelter, programs, or other support services.

 

(e) “Victim” means a person who consults a human trafficking caseworker for the purpose of securing advice or assistance concerning a mental, physical, emotional, or other condition related to their experience as a victim of human trafficking.

 

Evid. Code § 1038.3 (New; AB 1735):  No Limitation on Obligation to Report Child Abuse:

 

Nothing in this article shall be construed as limiting any obligation to report instances of child abuse as required by Section 11166 of the Penal Code.

 

Note:  P.C. § 11166 is the section dealing with a “mandated reporter’s duty to report instances of child abuse and/or neglect, and the punishment for failure to do so.”

 

Juveniles:

 

Gov’t. Code §§ 12820 through 12836, inclusive (New, Effective 6/27/2019; SB 94), and Gov’t. Code § 12838 (Amended, Effective 6/27/2019; SB 94): Department of Youth and Community Restoration:

 

The Division of Juvenile Justice and the Board of Juvenile Hearings has been moved from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), reestablishing them as the “Department of Youth and Community Restoration” (DYCR) under the California Health and Human Services Agency. 

 

This transfer process was required to start on July 1, 2019 and be completed by July 1, 2020. 

 

The Division of Juvenile Justice is to be referred to as the “predecessor entity.” Any reference to the Division of Juvenile Facilities, the Division of Juvenile Justice, or the Department of the Youth Authority in any statute or regulation is to be considered a reference to the new Department of Youth and Community Restoration, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

 

Welf & Inst. Code § 707.5 (New; AB 1423):  Return of a Juvenile Case from Adult to Juvenile Court:

 

In cases where a juvenile case has been transferred to adult criminal court pursuant to W&I Code § 707, provisions are now made for returning the case to juvenile court under specified circumstances:

 

Where the defendant is convicted at trial in adult court of a misdemeanor or misdemeanors, the case must be returned to juvenile court if the defendant requests the return.

 

Where a W&I § 707(b) offense was the basis of the case being transferred to adult court and the defendant is convicted at trial of non-W&I 707(b) felonies or a combination of non-W&I 707(b) felonies and misdemeanors, the court has the discretion to return the case to juvenile court for sentencing if the defendant requests the return.

 

Where non-W&I 707(b) offenses were the basis of the case being transferred to adult court and pursuant to a plea agreement the defendant pleads guilty only to a misdemeanor or misdemeanors, or, if a W&I 707(b) offense was a basis for transfer to adult court and pursuant to a plea agreement the defendant pleads guilty only to a misdemeanor or misdemeanors, or to non-W&I 707(b) felonies, or to a combination of non-W&I 707(b) felonies and misdemeanors, the court may return the case to juvenile court only if both parties agree and request the return.

 

Except where the return is mandatory, before returning a case to the juvenile court, the trial court must make a nding by a preponderance of the evidence that a juvenile disposition is in the interests of justice and the welfare of the defendant, and state in the minute order the speci c reasons for making the nding.

 

Requires the court to consider the transcript and minute order of the transfer hearing, the time the defendant has served in custody, the dispositions and services available to the defendant in juvenile court, and any relevant evidence submitted by either party.

 

If a case is to be returned to the juvenile court, the adult court must return the entire case to the juvenile court and it must be calendared within two court days. The juvenile court must then order the probation department to prepare a social study about the proper disposition of the case.

 

A conviction or guilty plea in adult court shall be considered an adjudication or admission before the juvenile court for all purposes. 

 

The clerk of the adult criminal court must report a returned case to the probation department, the law enforcement agency that arrested the minor, and DOJ, and deliver all copies of the minor’s criminal court record to the clerk of the juvenile court and to obliterate the minor’s name in any index maintained in the criminal court. 

 

Law Enforcement:

 

Gov’t. Code §§ 8669.1 through 8669.7, inclusive (New; AB 1117):  Law Enforcement Peer Support and Crisis Referral Services Program:

 

Local or regional law enforcement agencies are authorized to establish peer support and crisis referral programs that would provide a network of peer representatives who are available to come to the aid of their fellow employees on a broad range of emotional or professional issues, including substance abuse, critical incident stress, family issues, grief support, legal issues, line-of-duty deaths, serious injury or illness, suicide, victims of crime, and workplace issues.

 

The program would assist both law enforcement officers and employees of a law enforcement agency. 

 

The communications between law enforcement personnel and a peer support team member made while the peer support team member is providing peer support are to be confidential.  Any communication to a crisis hotline or crisis referral service is likewise to be confidential.

 

Exceptions to the confidentiality requirements are as follows:

 

1. In a criminal proceeding;

 

2. When a peer support team member refers law enforcement personnel to crisis referral services;

 

3. During a consultation between two peer support team members;

 

4. If the peer support team member reasonably believes that disclosure is necessary to prevent death, substantial bodily harm, or the commission of a crime;

 

5. If law enforcement personnel expressly agrees in writing that the con dential communication may be disclosed; or

 

6. “If otherwise required by law.”

 

Also, a crisis hotline or crisis referral service is permitted to disclose con dential information communicated by law enforcement personnel, in order to prevent “reasonably certain death, substantial bodily harm, or commission of a crime.”

 

Peer support team members are required to complete a training course on peer support approved by the law enforcement agency in order to be eligible for con dentiality protections. 

 

Pen. Code § 830.5 (Amended; Effective 6/27/2019; SB 94), and Pen. Code § 830.53 (New; Effective 6/27/2019): 

 

As of July 1, 2020, parole officers/agents in the Division of Juvenile Parole Operations and with the Juvenile Parole Board, and correctional officers employed by the Division of Juvenile Justice, are moved from the list of peace officers in P.C. § 830.5, putting them instead, with new titles, into new P.C. § 830.53, consistent with other provisions of this bill (Gov’t. C. §§ 12820– 12838; that moved the Division of Juvenile Justice and the Board of Juvenile Hearings from CDCR and re-establishes them as the Department of Youth and Community Restoration under the California Health and Human Services Agency.  (See “Department of Youth and Community Restoration,” under “Juveniles,” above.)

 

The transfer is required to start on July 1, 2019 and to be completed by July 1, 2020. 

 

Beginning July 1, 2020, new P.C. § 830.53 provides that a youth correctional officer employed by the Department of Youth and Community Restoration (DYCR), a youth correctional counselor series employee of DYCR, an employee of DYCR designated by the director, and any superintendent, supervisor, or employee having custodial responsibilities in an institution or camp operated by DYCR, will be a “peace officer” whose authority extends to any place in California while engaged in the performance of his or her duties. Speci ed DYCR employees (i.e., correctional officers and correctional counselors) are permitted to carry rearms while not on duty.  

 

Law Enforcement Technology:

 

Pen. Code § 832.19 (New; AB 1215):  Biometric Surveillance System Used Via an Officer Body Camera:

 

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

(1) “Biometric data” means a physiological, biological, or behavioral characteristic that can be used, singly or in combination with each other or with other information, to establish individual identity.

 

(2) “Biometric surveillance system” means any computer software or application that performs facial recognition or other biometric surveillance.

 

(3) “Facial recognition or other biometric surveillance” means either of the following, alone or in combination:

 

(A) An automated or semiautomated process that captures or analyzes biometric data of an individual to identify or assist in identifying an individual.

 

(B) An automated or semiautomated process that generates, or assists in generating, surveillance information about an individual based on biometric data.

 

(4) “Facial recognition or other biometric surveillance” does not include the use of an automated or semiautomated process for the purpose of redacting a recording for release or disclosure outside the law enforcement agency to protect the privacy of a subject depicted in the recording, if the process does not generate or result in the retention of any biometric data or surveillance information.

 

(5) “Law enforcement agency” means any police department, sheriff’s department, district attorney, county probation department, transit agency police department, school district police department, highway patrol, the police department of any campus of the University of California, the California State University, or a community college, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, and the Department of Justice.

 

(6) “Law enforcement officer” means an officer, deputy, employee, or agent of a law enforcement agency.

 

(7) “Officer camera” means a body-worn camera or similar device that records or transmits images or sound and is attached to the body or clothing of, or carried by, a law enforcement officer.

 

(8) “Surveillance information” means either of the following, alone or in combination:

 

(A) Any information about a known or unknown individual, including, but not limited to, a person’s name, date of birth, gender, or criminal background.

 

(B) Any information derived from biometric data, including, but not limited to, assessments about an individual’s sentiment, state of mind, or level of dangerousness.

 

(9) “Use” means either of the following, alone or in combination:

 

(A) The direct use of a biometric surveillance system by a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency.

 

(B) A request or agreement by a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency that another law enforcement agency or other third party use a biometric surveillance system on behalf of the requesting officer or agency.

 

(b) A law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer shall not install, activate, or use any biometric surveillance system in connection with an officer camera or data collected by an officer camera.

 

(c) In addition to any other sanctions, penalties, or remedies provided by law, a person may bring an action for equitable or declaratory relief in a court of competent jurisdiction against a law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer that violates this section.

 

(d) This section does not preclude a law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer from using a mobile fingerprint scanning device during a lawful detention to identify a person who does not have proof of identification if this use is lawful and does not generate or result in the retention of any biometric data or surveillance information.

 

(e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2023, and as of that date is repealed (unless subsequently extended by the Legislature).

 

Marijuana:

 

See “Cannabis,” above.

 

Mental Patients:

 

Welf. & Insti. Code § 8103 (Amended; AB 1968):  Mental Patients and Firearms:          

 

Subdivision (f) has been amended to extend the ve-year ban on rearms for a person who is taken into custody pursuant to W&I § 5150, assessed, and admitted to a facility for 72-hour psychiatric treatment because he or she is a danger to self or others, to a lifetime rearms ban if the person was previously taken into custody, assessed, and admitted for psychiatric treatment, one or more times during the year preceding the most recent admittance.

 

Note:  The ve-year rearm ban still applies to persons with W&I § 5150 holds who do not have a previous hold within the preceding year. 

 

The facility to which a person is admitted is required to inform the person of the ve-year ban or lifetime ban on rearms, whichever applies, before or at the time of discharge from the facility, and requires the person be told that a court hearing may be requested in order to obtain an order permitting the person to have rearms.

 

DOJ is required to update the “Patient Noti cation of Firearm Prohibition and Right to Hearing Form” consistent with this amendment, and requires a facility to provide the person with a copy of the form.  The form is to include information regarding how the person was referred to the facility and to include an authorization for the release of the person’s mental health records, upon request, to the appropriate court, solely for use in a hearing for an order permitting the person to have rearms. A request for records may be made by mail to the custodian of records at a facility and shall not require personal service.

 

The mental health facility is prohibited from submitting the form requesting a hearing to lift the firearms prohibition on behalf of the person, this amendment deleting provisions for the facility to forward the form to the superior court if the person requested a rearms hearing at the time of discharge.

 

The time for setting a firearms hearing has been extended from 30 days to 60 days of the court receiving a request for a rearms hearing. The length of time for which a district attorney may obtain a continuance has been extended from 14 days to 30 days after the district attorney is noti ed of the hearing date by the clerk of the court.   

 

The People continue to bear the burden at a hearing of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that the person would not be likely to use rearms in a safe and lawful manner.  An exception to this rule is when a person who is subject to a lifetime ban files a subsequent petition.  At a hearing on any subsequent petition filed by a person subject to a lifetime ban, the burden of proof is on the person/petitioner to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she can use rearms in a safe and lawful manner.

 

A person subject to a lifetime ban or a ve-year ban on rearms may make one request for a rearms hearing at any time during the ve-year period or the period of the lifetime prohibition. For a person subject to a lifetime ban, subsequent hearings may be requested if the court keeps the rearm prohibition in effect.

 

If the court nds that the people have met their burden at a hearing of showing that the person would not be likely to use rearms in a safe and lawful manner and the person is subject to a lifetime ban, the court must inform the person of his or her right to le a subsequent petition no sooner than ve years from the date of the hearing. Permits a person subject to a lifetime ban to le subsequent petitions every ve years and places the burden on the person/petitioner to show, by a preponderance of the evidence at any subsequent hearing that he or she can use rearms in a safe and lawful manner.

 

Punishment:  It remains a felony pursuant to W&I § 8103(i) for a mental patient to own, possess, control, purchase, receive, or attempt to purchase or receive a rearm or deadly weapon in violation of W&I § 8103, punishable pursuant to P.C. § 1170(h) by 16 months, two years, or three years in jail, or by up to one year in jail.

 

Note:  Persons taken into custody on W&I § 5150 holds are subject to a rearms ban, while other persons (e.g., mentally disordered offenders, offenders found not guilty by reason of insanity, mentally incompetent defendants, and persons conserved pursuant to W&I § 5350) are subject to a ban on rearms and deadly weapons. 

 

Retroactivity/Ex Post Facto Issues:  Per CDAA, the lifetime rearm ban should apply to any person taken into custody pursuant to W&I § 5150 and admitted for 72-hour treatment on or after January 1, 2020, even if the preceding hold that makes the person subject to the lifetime ban occurred before January 1, 2020. It is the second hold and treatment within one year that subjects a person to the lifetime rearms ban, and if that occurs on or after January 1, 2020, there should not be any ex post facto issue.

 

Pitchess Motions:

 

Evid. Code § 1043 (Amended; AB 1600):  Time Limitations on Pitchess Motions:

 

The notice requirements for the filing of a motion to discover peace officer personnel files in criminal cases (i.e., a “Pitchess motion,” per Pitchess v. Superior Court (1974) 11 Cal.3d 531) have been modified as follows:

 

Filing of the motion; from 16 court days before the hearing to at least 10 days.

 

Filing of the opposition; at least 10 court days before the hearing.

 

Filing of a reply brief; at least 2 court days before the hearing.

 

Upon receipt of a motion for peace officer personnel records, the governmental agency involved must immediately notify the officer whose records are sought.

 

See also Code of Civ. Proc. § 1005, making existing notice requirements for a Pitchess motion (at least 16 court days before the hearing), applicable only in civil cases.

 

Evid. Code § 1047 (Amended; AB 1600):  Peace Officer Records Not Subject to Disclosure:

 

The section is amended, splitting the section into two subdivisions, and adding a new subdivision (b), which reads as follows:

 

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) (excluding from disclosure peace officers’ records for officers who were not present at the scene of the incident in issue), if a supervisorial officer whose records are being sought had direct oversight of a peace officer or a custodial officer, as defined in Section 831.5 of the Penal Code and issued command directives or had command influence over the circumstances at issue, the supervisorial officer’s records shall be subject to disclosure pursuant to Section 1045 if the peace officer or custodial officer under supervision was present during the arrest, had contact with the party seeking disclosure from the time of the arrest until the time of booking, or was present at the time the conduct at issue is alleged to have occurred within a jail facility.

 

Welf. & Inst. Code §§ 781 & 786 (Amended; AB 1537):  Prosecutors Access to Sealed Juvenile Records for Brady Purposes:

 

Language is added to the provisions that permit a prosecutor to access a sealed juvenile record so that the prosecutor can meet his or her statutory and/or constitutional obligation (per Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83.) to disclose favorable or exculpatory evidence to a criminal defendant.  (See W&I Code §§ 781(a)(1)(D)(iii) and 786(g)(1)(K).)

 

A prosecutor’s request to the juvenile court to access information in a sealed juvenile le must include the prosecutor’s rationale for believing that access to the information may be necessary to meet disclosure obligations and the date by which the records are needed.

 

Also added is the following: 

 

1. A ruling allowing disclosure of information does not affect whether the information is admissible in a criminal or juvenile proceeding; 

 

2. These provisions do not impose any discovery obligations on a prosecuting attorney that do not already exist; and 

 

3. These provisions do not pertain to W&I 300 juvenile dependency cases.

 

Note:  See also amended provisions in both P.C. § 851.7 (below) and W&I § 793 (below) permitting access to sealed juvenile records for purposes of prosecutors complying with their Brady obligations.

 

Welf. & Inst. § 793 (Amended; AB 1537):  Prosecutor’s Access to Sealed Juvenile Records for Brady Purposes:

 

New subdivision (d)(1) and (2) is added to permit prosecutors to access records sealed pursuant to this section so that they can comply with statutory and constitutional obligations to disclose favorable or exculpatory evidence to a criminal defendant (pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court case of Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83 and other authorities), upon meeting the following requirements (per new subd. (d)(1)):

 

The prosecutor is to submit to the juvenile court a request to access information.

 

The request must include the date by which the records are needed and the prosecutor’s rationale for believing that access to the information may be necessary to meet the disclosure obligation.

 

The juvenile court must review the case le and records that are referenced by the prosecutor and review any response by the person who has the sealed record. 

 

The court must approve the prosecutor’s request to the extent the court determines that access to a sealed record or portion of a sealed record is necessary to enable the prosecuting attorney to comply with the disclosure obligation.

 

If the juvenile court approves the prosecutor’s request, the court must state on the record appropriate limits on the access, inspection, and utilization of the sealed record information in order to protect the con dentiality of the person whose sealed record is accessed.

 

A ruling allowing disclosure does not affect whether the information is admissible in a criminal or juvenile proceeding.

 

Also provided is a comment that this new subdivision does not impose any discovery obligations on a prosecutor that do not already exist.

 

Per subd. (b)(2):  This new subdivision does not apply to W&I § 300 juvenile dependency case les. 

 

Note:  See also W&I Code §§ 781 & 786 (Amended), above.

 

Pen. Code § 851.7 (Amended; AB 1537)   Prosecutor’s Access to Sealed Juvenile Records for Brady Purposes:

 

New subdivision (g) is added to permit prosecutors to access records sealed pursuant to this section (and the procedures whereby this may be accomplished) so that they can comply with statutory and constitutional obligations to disclose favorable or exculpatory evidence to a criminal defendant. (Pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court case of Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83 and other authorities.)

 

W&I Code §§ 781 & 786 (Amended), above.

 

Plea Bargains:

 

Pen. Code § 1016.8 (New; AB 1618): Plea Bargains that Purport to Waive Future Benefits from a Change in the Law:

 

A plea bargain that requires a defendant to generally waive unknown future bene ts of legislative enactments, initiatives, appellate decisions, or other changes in the law that may occur after the date of the plea is deemed “not knowing or intelligent,” and is considered to be “void as against public policy.”

 

A “plea bargain” is defined the same as it is in P.C. § 1192.7(b); i.e., “(A)ny bargaining, negotiation, or discussion between a criminal defendant, or his or her counsel, and a prosecuting attorney or judge, whereby the defendant agrees to plead guilty or nolo contendere, in exchange for any promises, commitments, concessions, assurances, or consideration by the prosecuting attorney or judge relating to any charge against the defendant or to the sentencing of the defendant.”

 

Police Officer Use of Force:

 

Gov’t. Code § 7286 (New; SB 230):  Law Enforcement Use of Force Policies:”

 

By January 2, 2021, all law enforcement agencies are required to maintain a policy that provides a minimum standard on the use of force and to make the policy accessible to the public.

 

The policy is required to include 20 items, including (but not limited to):

 

The requirement that officers use “de-escalation techniques,” crisis intervention tactics,” and other alternatives to force “when feasible.”

 

That an officer may use only that level of force that is proportional to the seriousness of the offense or threat.

 

That officers are required to report excessive force to a superior officer.

 

Speci c guidelines regarding situations in which an officer may or may not draw a rearm or point a rearm.

 

A requirement that officers consider the potential risks to bystanders before discharging a rearm.

 

A requirement that an officer intercede when seeing another officer use excessive force.

 

Speci c guidelines under which the discharge of a rearm at or from a moving vehicle may or may not be permitted.

 

“Deadly force” is defined as force reasonably anticipated to create a substantial likelihood of causing death or great bodily injury.

 

“Feasible” is defined as reasonably capable of being done or carried out under the circumstances to successfully achieve the arrest or lawful objective without increasing risk to the officer or another person.  

 

Note:  This bill also creates new P.C. § 13519.10, which requires the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to implement a course for the regular and periodic training of law enforcement officers in the use of force, and to develop minimum use of force guidelines for adoption by California law enforcement agencies.

 

Pen. Code § 196 (Amended; AB 392):  Homicide:  Use of Justifiable Deadly Force by Police Officers:

 

Homicide is justifiable when committed by peace officers and those acting by their command in their aid and assistance, under either of the following ....

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