Bill > AB535

This bill amends Section 136.1 of the California Penal Code to clarify and expand the legal protections against witness intimidation. The bill modifies existing law by providing more precise language around preventing or dissuading a witness or victim from reporting a crime, participating in a legal proceeding, or assisting in a prosecution. Specifically, the legislation makes it a crime to knowingly and maliciously prevent or attempt to prevent a witness from causing a complaint, indictment, information, or probation/parole violation to be sought and prosecuted, or from assisting in the prosecution. The bill maintains existing penalties, which include imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year or in state prison, with enhanced felony charges if the intimidation involves force, threats, conspiracy, or is committed for financial gain. The legislation also clarifies that attempting such actions is punishable regardless of whether the attempt was successful, and that no physical injury or actual intimidation needs to occur for prosecution. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that no state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes, as they relate to modifying criminal statutes.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB535