Crimes.

Existing law requires, with specified exceptions, that any person who reasonably believes that he or she has observed the commission of either a murder or rape where the victim is a child under the age of 14 years or a lewd or lascivious act with a child under the age of 14 years, as specified, to notify a peace officer by telephone or any other means. The failure to notify a peace officer as required is a misdemeanor with specified penalties. This bill would delete the age qualification of the victim in the case of murder or rape and create an additional exception, pertaining to domestic partners, to the reporting requirement. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.