AB 229: Criminal procedure: Sexually transmitted disease testing.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law authorizes a court to issue a search warrant, at the request of a victim and in specified circumstances, to test the accused’s blood or oral mucosal transudate saliva with an HIV test for the primary purpose of informing the victim whether the defendant is infected with the HIV virus. Existing law authorizes a victim to disclose test results received as the victim deems necessary to protect the victim’s health and safety or to protect the health and safety of the victim’s family or sexual partner. Improper disclosure of test results is a crime.

This bill would authorize a search warrant to require testing a defendant for any sexually transmitted disease. The bill would also authorize the parent or guardian of a minor victim or the legal representative of a victim to exercise any of the rights conferred by these provisions, including receiving and disclosing test results. By expanding the definition of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Existing law, when the defendant has been charged with a specified sex crime, authorizes the court to issue a search warrant for testing when requested by a victim of an uncharged sex offense.

This bill would add engaging in sexual acts with a child under 10 years of age and sex with a person confined to a health facility or detention facility to the crimes to which this provision applies.

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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. January 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. May 23, 2025In committee: Held under submission.
4. April 9, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
5. March 4, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 4). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
6. February 25, 2025Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
7. February 24, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
8. February 3, 2025Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
9. January 14, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee February 13.
10. January 13, 2025Read first time. To print.