Bill > AB1396

This bill amends the California Penal Code to expand criminal penalties for assault with intent to commit sexual offenses against dependent persons. Currently, existing law provides imprisonment for 2, 4, or 6 years for assault with intent to commit offenses like rape or sodomy, with enhanced penalties of 5, 7, or 9 years for assaults against minors under 18. The bill adds a new provision specifically targeting caretakers or adults who have care or custody of dependent persons, imposing the same enhanced 5, 7, or 9 year prison sentence if they assault a dependent person with intent to commit sexual offenses and knew or should have reasonably known the victim was a dependent person. A "dependent person" is defined according to an existing legal definition in Section 288. The bill also includes a standard provision stating that no state reimbursement is required for implementing this law, as it creates a new criminal penalty. By expanding criminal liability for assaults against vulnerable individuals, the bill aims to provide additional legal protection for dependent persons who may be at higher risk of sexual assault by those responsible for their care.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1396