With the New Year upon us, it’s important to understand and be aware of the new legislation. Well-over a dozen new laws have been introduced in California and signed into law by the Governor. Some of the key changes to be aware of include…
Assembly Bill 12 – Firearms: gun violence restraining orders
“The law expands who can petition a judge to confiscate someone’s weapons if they believe that person may be violent. Existing law allows police, immediate family members and roommates to request a restraining order. The updated law allows employers, coworkers, and teachers to be able to do so. The law goes into effect Sept. 1, 2020.”* More
Senate Bill No. 439 – Jurisdiction of the juvenile court
“The law changes the age minors can be to 12 in order for them to be sent to juvenile hall. A child under 12 would be released to their parent or legal guardian. The law does not apply to minors who commit murder, rape or great bodily harm.”* More
Assembly Bill No. 218 – Damages: childhood sexual assault: statute of limitations.
“The law gives victims of childhood sexual abuse until age 40, or five years from the discovery of the abuse, to file civil lawsuits. The previous limit had been 26, or within three years from the discovery of the abuse. It also suspends the statute of limitations for three years — beginning Jan. 1, 2020 — giving victims of all ages time to bring lawsuits if they wish.”* More
Senate Bill No. 273 -Domestic violence
“The law extends the statute of limitations to report domestic violence to law enforcement from one year to five years. The change would apply to domestic violence that happens on or after Jan. 1, 2020. It also applies to crimes for which the statute of limitations was in effect before Jan. 1, 2020, and had not run out. The law also requires more training for law enforcement on de-escalation techniques and interviewing victims in a different place from the suspect.”* More
If you have any questions about these recent changes or need other legal advice, please reach out via my contact form.