Governor Signs DA-Sponsored Bills

Two bills sponsored by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office that strengthen state laws in support of sexual assault victims and senior citizens have been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. [TWEET THIS]

Each sponsored bill was drafted with input from experts in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and each piece of legislation closes loopholes for vulnerable victims.

“These bills ensure crime victims and consumers are protected and are not inadvertently re-victimized when they report crime,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “I’m proud that our office is leading innovations in balanced criminal justice reform that ensures dignity and fairness for victims of sexual assault and the elderly. Thank you to Governor Newsom for signing these important bills into law. I was proud to fight alongside Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner Horvath for this landmark legislation that empowers victims of sexual assault to report and safeguards their dignity in the process, so they don’t have to suffer in silence. This law increases the ability to hold sexual predators accountable by removing another barrier to victims reporting.”

The bills sponsored by the District Attorney’s Office include:

Assembly Bill 1927 (Tasha Boerner Horvath, D-Encinitas) provides sexual assault victims and witnesses with amnesty to encourage participation in a sexual assault prosecution. Current law makes it a crime to possess or use a controlled substance and for a minor to purchase and consume alcohol, which can create situations where sexual assault victims and witnesses choose not to come forward out of fear of prosecution in a separate trial.

Assembly Bill 2471 (Brian Maienschein, D-San Diego) extends the time for a senior citizens 65 or older, to cancel certain contracts from three business days to five. A longer timeframe allows elderly people more time to carefully review the contract and consult with others before moving forward with the financial commitment. [TWEET THIS]