SB 413: Juveniles: case file inspection.

Official summary

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

Existing law generally provides for the confidentiality of information regarding a minor in proceedings in the juvenile court and related court proceedings and limits access to juvenile case files, as defined. Existing law authorizes only certain individuals to inspect a juvenile case file, including, among others, the county counsel, city attorney, or any other attorney representing the petitioning agency in a dependency action.

This bill would delete that authority and instead specify that the county counsel, city attorney, or any other attorney representing the county child welfare agency in dependency proceedings, and the county counsel or city attorney representing the child welfare agency or probation department in connection with the administration or review of child welfare or probation services, as specified, may access juvenile case files. The bill would also authorize an attorney representing a party in a civil proceeding, as defined, filed by, or on behalf of, the person who is the subject of the juvenile case file in which the defendant is either the child welfare agency, probation department, or an employee of those entities to inspect and receive copies of a juvenile case file for use in the civil proceeding, as specified. The bill would additionally authorize an attorney representing a person who is or was the subject of juvenile proceedings under specified provisions to access juvenile case files. By imposing additional duties on local entities to provide access to these records, 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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 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. October 1, 2025Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 221, Statutes of 2025.
2. October 1, 2025Approved by the Governor.
3. September 22, 2025Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 11 a.m.
4. September 10, 2025Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2821.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
5. September 9, 2025In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
6. September 9, 2025Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 3066.) Ordered to the Senate.
7. September 4, 2025Ordered to third reading.
8. September 4, 2025Read third time and amended.
9. July 17, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
10. July 16, 2025From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (July 16).
11. June 25, 2025Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
12. June 24, 2025From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 1.) (June 24).