Bill > AB2014

This bill aims to prevent gender-based stereotypes from unfairly influencing criminal proceedings by adding a new section to the Evidence Code and amending the Penal Code. Specifically, it requires courts, when considering evidence or arguments that might trigger gender stereotypes in criminal cases, to weigh its probative value against the risk of undue prejudice, considering factors like assumptions about sexuality, parenting, appearance, or emotional nature. The bill clarifies that such evidence has minimal probative value unless directly relevant to a disputed fact, an element of the offense, or witness credibility without relying on gender assumptions. It also mandates that courts consider expert testimony or research on gender bias and its rebuttal, and to hold hearings outside the jury's presence to determine admissibility, stating their reasoning on the record. Furthermore, it expands the grounds for a writ of habeas corpus, a legal process to challenge unlawful imprisonment, to include cases where gender-biased evidence or arguments were used by the prosecution, potentially altering the trial's outcome.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2014