Victims of crime: family access to information.

Existing law establishes rights of victims and witnesses of crimes, including the right of the parents or guardians of a minor victim to be notified of all sentencing proceedings and parole eligibility hearings and to have their statements considered. This bill would require the parent or guardian of a minor whose death is being investigated to be provided specified information relating to the investigation, including the name and contact information of the investigating officers, and access to personal affects, as specified. The bill would require, if the parent or guardian is not located, this information to be provided upon request to the victim's immediate family, as defined. The bill would not require disclosure of information under these provisions if that disclosure would jeopardize or otherwise allow an individual to interfere with the ongoing investigation, as specified. The bill would authorize law enforcement agencies providing this information to require any family member receiving that information to confirm their identity through a certified declaration. The bill would make any person who knowingly or willingly makes a false certification punishable by an infraction. By increasing the duties of local law enforcement agencies and by creating a new crime, the 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 with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.