Bill > AB848

This bill amends California's sexual battery law to add a new sentencing factor for felony convictions involving sexual battery in a hospital setting. Specifically, if a defendant is employed at a hospital and commits sexual battery against a patient who is either in their care or seeking medical treatment, this will be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. The bill builds upon existing law that already treats sexual battery as a serious offense, with potential punishments ranging from misdemeanor charges (up to one year in county jail and a $2,000 fine) to felony charges (two to four years in state prison and up to a $10,000 fine). The new provision is intended to provide additional legal protection for vulnerable patients and to recognize the breach of trust that occurs when a healthcare worker commits sexual battery against a patient. The bill also includes a standard provision stating that no additional state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes, as the modification relates to criminal penalties. This change reinforces the legal system's commitment to protecting individuals in medical settings from sexual misconduct by healthcare professionals.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB848