Bill > SB413

This bill amends Section 827 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to modify access rules for juvenile case files. Specifically, the bill removes the previous broad authorization for attorneys representing petitioning agencies in dependency actions to access juvenile case files and instead limits this access to county counsel or city attorneys representing county child welfare agencies or probation departments. The bill introduces a new provision allowing attorneys representing parties in civil actions or government claims involving local agencies, child welfare agencies, or probation departments to inspect and receive copies of juvenile case files for use in those legal proceedings. The bill includes strict provisions to protect the confidentiality of these files, such as requiring that the information can only be used in the specific civil action or government claim, cannot be disseminated to other parties without court approval, and must be destroyed upon conclusion of the legal proceeding. Additionally, any juvenile case file information submitted to court must be filed under seal unless the presiding judge rules otherwise. As the bill potentially imposes new administrative duties on local entities, it includes a provision for state reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates state-mandated local program costs.

Budget and Finance, Justice

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