State legislative offices brief Lancaster commission on pending criminal‑justice bills

Thomas Moreno, representing Senator Valladares' office, and Anna Zarley from Assemblyman Tom Lackey's office provided the commission with updates on several state bills affecting criminal justice.

Moreno outlined three items: SB421 ("Kaylee's Law"), which he said failed in a public safety committee on a 3‑2 party‑line vote but is being considered for reconsideration; AB1333, described as a bill affecting self‑defense/"stand your ground" rules and still awaiting committee action; and SB380, a bill by Senator Jones that would let the Department of State Hospitals study benefits and feasibility for transitional housing for certain violent predators, which has passed committee and was being held in appropriations.

Moreno said SB421 would have affected court procedures relating to victims and restraining/registration processes and that its failure was by a narrow margin; he said his office hopes to amend and reintroduce the measure for reconsideration. On SB380 he said the proposal could help communities with placement and housing planning for individuals subject to civil‑commitment processes; the bill passed its committee and moved to appropriations.

Anna Zarley gave updates from Assembly leadership: she said AB568, which would make furnishing fentanyl to minors a serious felony, passed out of the public safety committee and moved to appropriations. She also said AB1333 had been pulled earlier for revision after receiving feedback, and AB653 (mandated reporter reimbursement rules) had been amended and forwarded to public safety.

The commissioners received the updates for information; no commission votes on state policy were taken.