California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an information bulletin to all California law enforcement agencies and public crime laboratories, summarizing their new responsibilities under Senate Bill 464 (SB 464). Authored by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), SB 464 amends victims’ rights and requires an audit of all untested sexual assault evidence kits. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 10, 2023, and took effect on January 1, 2024.
“Victims of sexual assault deserve to be supported in both word and deed. Thanks to legislation like SB 464, California is continuing to lead the way,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our information bulletin aims to remind law enforcement agencies and public crime laboratories of their new obligations under SB 464. As always, my office is available to provide assistance to those who may need it.”
The information bulletin outlines several changes:
- A victim may request that their sexual assault evidence kit not be tested. If such a request is made, the medical facility that collects the kit and the law enforcement agency that receives it should not submit the kit to a laboratory. Instead, the kit should be stored at the medical facility or law enforcement agency.
- If a victim or witness requests notification of the case outcome, the prosecuting attorney must notify them by letter of the final disposition within 30 days of such final disposition. Previously, the deadline was 60 days.
- By July 1, 2026, law enforcement agencies and public crime laboratories are required to conduct an audit of untested sexual assault evidence kits in their possession and report specified information to the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Law enforcement agencies and public crime laboratories can contact the DOJ’s Bureau of Forensic Services for assistance.
Attorney General Bonta has consistently demonstrated his commitment to supporting victims of sexual assault. On April 29, 2022, he shared guidance for survivors seeking resources. On November 1, 2022, he announced a new online portal for tracking sexual assault evidence kits' status and hired Dr. Sarai Crain as the state’s first-ever sexual assault evidence outreach coordinator. On April 26, 2024, he highlighted resources available through the DOJ’s Victims’ Services Unit (VSU) and other outlets.
The information bulletin can be found here.