SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2273, the SCRIVNER Act, authored by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains, strengthening protections and accountability in cases involving the sexual abuse of children.
“I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for recognizing the importance of this legislation,” said Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains. “When it comes to protecting children from sexual abuse, there can be no loopholes in our justice system. The SCRIVNER Act puts the safety of children first and strengthens accountability for those who harm them.”
AB 2273, the SCRIVNER Act, strengthens accountability and transparency in serious criminal cases involving child sexual abuse. The law requires prosecutors to explain on the record why certain charges that would make a defendant ineligible for mental health diversion were not pursued when the alleged or disclosed facts support those charges, and whether prosecutors consulted with the victim about the charges filed. It also requires the California Department of Justice, after completing an investigation of an elected official and determining that the official committed specified rape-related crimes against a minor and that the case is appropriate for prosecution, to bring criminal charges within 30 days.
The SCRIVNER Act received unanimous approval from both the Assembly and Senate before being signed into law.
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