California 2019-2020 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2645 Compare Versions

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11 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2645Introduced by Assembly Member NazarianFebruary 20, 2020 An act to add Section 1105 to the Penal Code, relating to animal abuse. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2645, as introduced, Nazarian. Abused animals: advocates.Existing law proscribes various forms of animal abuse and neglect and imposes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for a violation of those laws. Existing law defines an animal for purposes of those laws.This bill would authorize a court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, to appoint an advocate to represent the interests of an animal that is the subject of criminal proceedings relating to animal abuse or neglect, as specified. The bill would delineate the duties and authority of the advocate and prescribe the procedures for appointing an advocate. The bill would require the court clerk to maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates and specify the eligibility criteria. These provisions would apply to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1105 is added to the Penal Code, to read:1105. (a) In any prosecution pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 600, or 600.5, or in any court proceeding pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597.9, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 598.1, 599aa, 600, or 600.5 or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare, care, or custody of an animal, the court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, may appoint an advocate to represent the interests of the animal, without regard to whether the animal is alive or deceased. The court may appoint an advocate at any stage of the proceedings during or after arraignment.(b) If a court appoints an advocate pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall appoint that advocate from the list maintained by the court clerk pursuant to subdivision (d). The court has discretion to remove the advocate. (c) (1) If the court appoints an advocate pursuant to this section, all of the following apply:(A) The advocate shall monitor the case.(B) The advocate shall have access to relevant files, documents, and reports related to the case.(C) The advocate shall share with attorneys for the state and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate for presentation to the court or either party.(D) The advocate shall present information and recommendations to the court that are pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of the animal the advocate represents, if the information and recommendations are the result of the duties the advocate has undertaken pursuant to this subdivision. The information and recommendations may be based upon the knowledge and experience of the advocate or another specialist with specific knowledge and expertise relating to the type of animal that is involved in the case.(2) An advocate who is appointed pursuant to this section may do any of the following:(A) Consult any individual who has information that could aid the judge or factfinder in making a determination regarding the interests of the animal.(B) Review records relating to the animals condition and the defendants actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and peace officers.(C) Attend hearings by being physically present or by means of electronic audiovideo communication.(D) As needed and appropriate, provide a victim impact statement to the court.(d) The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates pursuant to this section on a voluntary basis, and are eligible to serve in that capacity. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, attorneys shall be licensed to practice law in this state and the applicable rules of professional conduct apply. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, certified law students shall be authorized to make court appearances in California and have completed training required pursuant to the rules of the State Bar of California for purposes of the Practical Training of Law Students Program.(e) This section applies to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.(f) For purposes of this section, an animal has the meaning set forth in Section 599b.
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33 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2645Introduced by Assembly Member NazarianFebruary 20, 2020 An act to add Section 1105 to the Penal Code, relating to animal abuse. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2645, as introduced, Nazarian. Abused animals: advocates.Existing law proscribes various forms of animal abuse and neglect and imposes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for a violation of those laws. Existing law defines an animal for purposes of those laws.This bill would authorize a court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, to appoint an advocate to represent the interests of an animal that is the subject of criminal proceedings relating to animal abuse or neglect, as specified. The bill would delineate the duties and authority of the advocate and prescribe the procedures for appointing an advocate. The bill would require the court clerk to maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates and specify the eligibility criteria. These provisions would apply to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
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99 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION
1010
1111 Assembly Bill
1212
1313 No. 2645
1414
1515 Introduced by Assembly Member NazarianFebruary 20, 2020
1616
1717 Introduced by Assembly Member Nazarian
1818 February 20, 2020
1919
2020 An act to add Section 1105 to the Penal Code, relating to animal abuse.
2121
2222 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
2323
2424 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
2525
2626 AB 2645, as introduced, Nazarian. Abused animals: advocates.
2727
2828 Existing law proscribes various forms of animal abuse and neglect and imposes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for a violation of those laws. Existing law defines an animal for purposes of those laws.This bill would authorize a court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, to appoint an advocate to represent the interests of an animal that is the subject of criminal proceedings relating to animal abuse or neglect, as specified. The bill would delineate the duties and authority of the advocate and prescribe the procedures for appointing an advocate. The bill would require the court clerk to maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates and specify the eligibility criteria. These provisions would apply to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.
2929
3030 Existing law proscribes various forms of animal abuse and neglect and imposes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for a violation of those laws. Existing law defines an animal for purposes of those laws.
3131
3232 This bill would authorize a court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, to appoint an advocate to represent the interests of an animal that is the subject of criminal proceedings relating to animal abuse or neglect, as specified. The bill would delineate the duties and authority of the advocate and prescribe the procedures for appointing an advocate. The bill would require the court clerk to maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates and specify the eligibility criteria. These provisions would apply to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.
3333
3434 ## Digest Key
3535
3636 ## Bill Text
3737
3838 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1105 is added to the Penal Code, to read:1105. (a) In any prosecution pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 600, or 600.5, or in any court proceeding pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597.9, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 598.1, 599aa, 600, or 600.5 or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare, care, or custody of an animal, the court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, may appoint an advocate to represent the interests of the animal, without regard to whether the animal is alive or deceased. The court may appoint an advocate at any stage of the proceedings during or after arraignment.(b) If a court appoints an advocate pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall appoint that advocate from the list maintained by the court clerk pursuant to subdivision (d). The court has discretion to remove the advocate. (c) (1) If the court appoints an advocate pursuant to this section, all of the following apply:(A) The advocate shall monitor the case.(B) The advocate shall have access to relevant files, documents, and reports related to the case.(C) The advocate shall share with attorneys for the state and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate for presentation to the court or either party.(D) The advocate shall present information and recommendations to the court that are pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of the animal the advocate represents, if the information and recommendations are the result of the duties the advocate has undertaken pursuant to this subdivision. The information and recommendations may be based upon the knowledge and experience of the advocate or another specialist with specific knowledge and expertise relating to the type of animal that is involved in the case.(2) An advocate who is appointed pursuant to this section may do any of the following:(A) Consult any individual who has information that could aid the judge or factfinder in making a determination regarding the interests of the animal.(B) Review records relating to the animals condition and the defendants actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and peace officers.(C) Attend hearings by being physically present or by means of electronic audiovideo communication.(D) As needed and appropriate, provide a victim impact statement to the court.(d) The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates pursuant to this section on a voluntary basis, and are eligible to serve in that capacity. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, attorneys shall be licensed to practice law in this state and the applicable rules of professional conduct apply. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, certified law students shall be authorized to make court appearances in California and have completed training required pursuant to the rules of the State Bar of California for purposes of the Practical Training of Law Students Program.(e) This section applies to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.(f) For purposes of this section, an animal has the meaning set forth in Section 599b.
3939
4040 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4141
4242 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4343
4444 SECTION 1. Section 1105 is added to the Penal Code, to read:1105. (a) In any prosecution pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 600, or 600.5, or in any court proceeding pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597.9, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 598.1, 599aa, 600, or 600.5 or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare, care, or custody of an animal, the court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, may appoint an advocate to represent the interests of the animal, without regard to whether the animal is alive or deceased. The court may appoint an advocate at any stage of the proceedings during or after arraignment.(b) If a court appoints an advocate pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall appoint that advocate from the list maintained by the court clerk pursuant to subdivision (d). The court has discretion to remove the advocate. (c) (1) If the court appoints an advocate pursuant to this section, all of the following apply:(A) The advocate shall monitor the case.(B) The advocate shall have access to relevant files, documents, and reports related to the case.(C) The advocate shall share with attorneys for the state and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate for presentation to the court or either party.(D) The advocate shall present information and recommendations to the court that are pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of the animal the advocate represents, if the information and recommendations are the result of the duties the advocate has undertaken pursuant to this subdivision. The information and recommendations may be based upon the knowledge and experience of the advocate or another specialist with specific knowledge and expertise relating to the type of animal that is involved in the case.(2) An advocate who is appointed pursuant to this section may do any of the following:(A) Consult any individual who has information that could aid the judge or factfinder in making a determination regarding the interests of the animal.(B) Review records relating to the animals condition and the defendants actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and peace officers.(C) Attend hearings by being physically present or by means of electronic audiovideo communication.(D) As needed and appropriate, provide a victim impact statement to the court.(d) The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates pursuant to this section on a voluntary basis, and are eligible to serve in that capacity. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, attorneys shall be licensed to practice law in this state and the applicable rules of professional conduct apply. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, certified law students shall be authorized to make court appearances in California and have completed training required pursuant to the rules of the State Bar of California for purposes of the Practical Training of Law Students Program.(e) This section applies to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.(f) For purposes of this section, an animal has the meaning set forth in Section 599b.
4545
4646 SECTION 1. Section 1105 is added to the Penal Code, to read:
4747
4848 ### SECTION 1.
4949
5050 1105. (a) In any prosecution pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 600, or 600.5, or in any court proceeding pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597.9, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 598.1, 599aa, 600, or 600.5 or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare, care, or custody of an animal, the court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, may appoint an advocate to represent the interests of the animal, without regard to whether the animal is alive or deceased. The court may appoint an advocate at any stage of the proceedings during or after arraignment.(b) If a court appoints an advocate pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall appoint that advocate from the list maintained by the court clerk pursuant to subdivision (d). The court has discretion to remove the advocate. (c) (1) If the court appoints an advocate pursuant to this section, all of the following apply:(A) The advocate shall monitor the case.(B) The advocate shall have access to relevant files, documents, and reports related to the case.(C) The advocate shall share with attorneys for the state and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate for presentation to the court or either party.(D) The advocate shall present information and recommendations to the court that are pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of the animal the advocate represents, if the information and recommendations are the result of the duties the advocate has undertaken pursuant to this subdivision. The information and recommendations may be based upon the knowledge and experience of the advocate or another specialist with specific knowledge and expertise relating to the type of animal that is involved in the case.(2) An advocate who is appointed pursuant to this section may do any of the following:(A) Consult any individual who has information that could aid the judge or factfinder in making a determination regarding the interests of the animal.(B) Review records relating to the animals condition and the defendants actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and peace officers.(C) Attend hearings by being physically present or by means of electronic audiovideo communication.(D) As needed and appropriate, provide a victim impact statement to the court.(d) The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates pursuant to this section on a voluntary basis, and are eligible to serve in that capacity. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, attorneys shall be licensed to practice law in this state and the applicable rules of professional conduct apply. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, certified law students shall be authorized to make court appearances in California and have completed training required pursuant to the rules of the State Bar of California for purposes of the Practical Training of Law Students Program.(e) This section applies to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.(f) For purposes of this section, an animal has the meaning set forth in Section 599b.
5151
5252 1105. (a) In any prosecution pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 600, or 600.5, or in any court proceeding pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597.9, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 598.1, 599aa, 600, or 600.5 or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare, care, or custody of an animal, the court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, may appoint an advocate to represent the interests of the animal, without regard to whether the animal is alive or deceased. The court may appoint an advocate at any stage of the proceedings during or after arraignment.(b) If a court appoints an advocate pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall appoint that advocate from the list maintained by the court clerk pursuant to subdivision (d). The court has discretion to remove the advocate. (c) (1) If the court appoints an advocate pursuant to this section, all of the following apply:(A) The advocate shall monitor the case.(B) The advocate shall have access to relevant files, documents, and reports related to the case.(C) The advocate shall share with attorneys for the state and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate for presentation to the court or either party.(D) The advocate shall present information and recommendations to the court that are pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of the animal the advocate represents, if the information and recommendations are the result of the duties the advocate has undertaken pursuant to this subdivision. The information and recommendations may be based upon the knowledge and experience of the advocate or another specialist with specific knowledge and expertise relating to the type of animal that is involved in the case.(2) An advocate who is appointed pursuant to this section may do any of the following:(A) Consult any individual who has information that could aid the judge or factfinder in making a determination regarding the interests of the animal.(B) Review records relating to the animals condition and the defendants actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and peace officers.(C) Attend hearings by being physically present or by means of electronic audiovideo communication.(D) As needed and appropriate, provide a victim impact statement to the court.(d) The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates pursuant to this section on a voluntary basis, and are eligible to serve in that capacity. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, attorneys shall be licensed to practice law in this state and the applicable rules of professional conduct apply. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, certified law students shall be authorized to make court appearances in California and have completed training required pursuant to the rules of the State Bar of California for purposes of the Practical Training of Law Students Program.(e) This section applies to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.(f) For purposes of this section, an animal has the meaning set forth in Section 599b.
5353
5454 1105. (a) In any prosecution pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 600, or 600.5, or in any court proceeding pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597.9, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 598.1, 599aa, 600, or 600.5 or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare, care, or custody of an animal, the court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, may appoint an advocate to represent the interests of the animal, without regard to whether the animal is alive or deceased. The court may appoint an advocate at any stage of the proceedings during or after arraignment.(b) If a court appoints an advocate pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall appoint that advocate from the list maintained by the court clerk pursuant to subdivision (d). The court has discretion to remove the advocate. (c) (1) If the court appoints an advocate pursuant to this section, all of the following apply:(A) The advocate shall monitor the case.(B) The advocate shall have access to relevant files, documents, and reports related to the case.(C) The advocate shall share with attorneys for the state and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate for presentation to the court or either party.(D) The advocate shall present information and recommendations to the court that are pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of the animal the advocate represents, if the information and recommendations are the result of the duties the advocate has undertaken pursuant to this subdivision. The information and recommendations may be based upon the knowledge and experience of the advocate or another specialist with specific knowledge and expertise relating to the type of animal that is involved in the case.(2) An advocate who is appointed pursuant to this section may do any of the following:(A) Consult any individual who has information that could aid the judge or factfinder in making a determination regarding the interests of the animal.(B) Review records relating to the animals condition and the defendants actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and peace officers.(C) Attend hearings by being physically present or by means of electronic audiovideo communication.(D) As needed and appropriate, provide a victim impact statement to the court.(d) The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates pursuant to this section on a voluntary basis, and are eligible to serve in that capacity. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, attorneys shall be licensed to practice law in this state and the applicable rules of professional conduct apply. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, certified law students shall be authorized to make court appearances in California and have completed training required pursuant to the rules of the State Bar of California for purposes of the Practical Training of Law Students Program.(e) This section applies to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.(f) For purposes of this section, an animal has the meaning set forth in Section 599b.
5555
5656
5757
5858 1105. (a) In any prosecution pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 600, or 600.5, or in any court proceeding pursuant to Section 310, 596, 597, 597.1, 597.5, 597.7, 597.9, 597a, 597b, 597c, 597f, 597h, 597i, 597j, 597m, 597s, 597t, 598.1, 599aa, 600, or 600.5 or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare, care, or custody of an animal, the court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, may appoint an advocate to represent the interests of the animal, without regard to whether the animal is alive or deceased. The court may appoint an advocate at any stage of the proceedings during or after arraignment.
5959
6060 (b) If a court appoints an advocate pursuant to subdivision (a), the court shall appoint that advocate from the list maintained by the court clerk pursuant to subdivision (d). The court has discretion to remove the advocate.
6161
6262 (c) (1) If the court appoints an advocate pursuant to this section, all of the following apply:
6363
6464 (A) The advocate shall monitor the case.
6565
6666 (B) The advocate shall have access to relevant files, documents, and reports related to the case.
6767
6868 (C) The advocate shall share with attorneys for the state and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate for presentation to the court or either party.
6969
7070 (D) The advocate shall present information and recommendations to the court that are pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of the animal the advocate represents, if the information and recommendations are the result of the duties the advocate has undertaken pursuant to this subdivision. The information and recommendations may be based upon the knowledge and experience of the advocate or another specialist with specific knowledge and expertise relating to the type of animal that is involved in the case.
7171
7272 (2) An advocate who is appointed pursuant to this section may do any of the following:
7373
7474 (A) Consult any individual who has information that could aid the judge or factfinder in making a determination regarding the interests of the animal.
7575
7676 (B) Review records relating to the animals condition and the defendants actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and peace officers.
7777
7878 (C) Attend hearings by being physically present or by means of electronic audiovideo communication.
7979
8080 (D) As needed and appropriate, provide a victim impact statement to the court.
8181
8282 (d) The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates pursuant to this section on a voluntary basis, and are eligible to serve in that capacity. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, attorneys shall be licensed to practice law in this state and the applicable rules of professional conduct apply. In order to be eligible to serve as an advocate, certified law students shall be authorized to make court appearances in California and have completed training required pursuant to the rules of the State Bar of California for purposes of the Practical Training of Law Students Program.
8383
8484 (e) This section applies to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.
8585
8686 (f) For purposes of this section, an animal has the meaning set forth in Section 599b.