Bill > AB229

This bill expands existing California law regarding sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing in criminal cases. Previously, courts could issue search warrants to test defendants for HIV when requested by a victim, but now the bill allows testing for a broader range of STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, and syphilis. The bill adds two new sexual offenses to the list of crimes where such testing can be requested: engaging in sexual acts with a child under 10 years old and sex with a person confined to a health or detention facility. The legislation also allows a victim's parent, guardian, or legal representative to request testing and receive test results, with the primary purpose of protecting the victim's health and safety. Test results can only be disclosed after confirmatory tests and must be accompanied by professional counseling. The bill maintains strict confidentiality protections and makes it a misdemeanor to file a false report to obtain test results. Importantly, the test results cannot be used as evidence of guilt or innocence in criminal proceedings. The bill does not require state reimbursement for local agencies because it relates to changes in criminal definitions and procedures.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB229