Assembly passes AB 1656 to add human trafficking to “good cause” continuances

The California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1656 on Jan. 20, 2026, by a floor vote of 58 ayes and 0 noes. The bill, presented by Assemblymember Davies, would expand the crimes included in the statutory definition of "good cause" for continuances in criminal trials to explicitly include human trafficking.

"AB 1656 is a common-sense victim protection bill that expands the crimes which are included in the definition of good cause for a continuance of a criminal trial to include human trafficking," Assemblymember Davies said, arguing that survivors often experience severe trauma and that continuity of counsel helps preserve their ability to participate in proceedings.

Davies told colleagues that forcing survivors to proceed with substitute counsel because of scheduling conflicts can undermine cooperation and lead to incomplete testimony. She noted that the bill passed the Public Safety Committee unanimously and asked for an affirmative vote on the Assembly floor.

The clerk closed the roll and announced the tally: 58 ayes, 0 noes. The Speaker declared the measure passed. The record in this session shows the bill advanced on the Assembly floor; any further steps (such as transmission to the Senate or enactment timelines) were not specified on the floor during this proceeding.

Action and next steps: The Assembly passed AB 1656 at the floor session on Jan. 20, 2026 (vote 58–0). The bill record in the transcript does not specify subsequent procedural steps taken at this meeting beyond the floor passage.