Bill > SB413

This bill amends Section 827 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to modify who can access juvenile case files, specifically expanding and clarifying access provisions for attorneys and legal representatives. The bill updates existing law by specifically authorizing county counsel, city attorneys, and attorneys representing child welfare agencies or probation departments to access juvenile case files for certain administrative and review purposes. Additionally, the bill now allows attorneys representing a person who is or was subject to juvenile proceedings to access these files, and permits attorneys representing parties in civil proceedings against child welfare agencies or probation departments to inspect and receive copies of juvenile case files for use in those specific civil proceedings. The bill includes strict confidentiality protections, ensuring that such files can only be used for their intended purpose and cannot be disseminated to unauthorized parties. By expanding access to these confidential records while maintaining protective measures, the bill aims to facilitate more effective legal representation and administrative processes involving juveniles. The bill also includes a provision that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the act imposes state-mandated costs, local agencies will be reimbursed according to existing statutory procedures.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB413