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AB-1681 • 2026

Victim’s and witness’ rights.

Victim’s and witness’ rights.

Crime Education
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Ramos
Last action
2026-04-08
Official status
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details on how victims or their families will use the provided contact information.

Victim and Witness Rights

This law requires courts and district attorneys' offices to provide victims' and next of kin's contact information to the Department of Corrections at sentencing for state prison sentences.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the court and district attorney’s office or other prosecuting agency to ensure that the contact information of the victim and the victim’s next of kin is provided to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at the time of sentencing in cases resulting in a sentence to state prison.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Victims and their family members
  • Courts and district attorneys' offices or other prosecuting agencies
  • The Department of Corrections

Terms To Know

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
A state agency responsible for managing prisons and inmate rehabilitation.
State-mandated local program
A program where the state requires local agencies to do something, often with additional funding provided by the state.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how victims or their families will use this information.
  • It is unclear if and when the Commission on State Mandates will review and determine costs for reimbursement.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-08 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

  2. 2026-03-10 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (March 10). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  3. 2026-02-17 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  4. 2026-02-03 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 5.

  5. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1681, as introduced, Ramos.
Victim’s and witness’ rights.
Existing law establishes specified rights for victims and witnesses of crimes, including to be notified or informed regarding specified court proceedings and inmate placement or parole eligibility.
This bill would require the court and the district attorney’s office or other prosecuting agency to ensure that the contact information of the victim and the victim’s next of kin is provided to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at the time of sentencing in cases that result in a sentence to state prison. By increasing the burdens on local prosecuting agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish
procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
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