All Roll Calls
Yes: 192 • No: 1
CaliforniaSB 4132025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Juveniles: case file inspection.
Sponsored By: Benjamin Allen (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Agency access for oversight and safety
State social services staff and licensed entities can inspect juvenile files to approve, license, monitor, or investigate resource families. The information stays confidential, is used only for those duties and related proceedings, and is sealed after hearings or when no further action is taken. The Department of Justice can inspect files for sex‑offender registration and notification. The Office of Youth and Community Restoration can inspect files as needed to do its duties.
State repayment for local mandates
If the State Mandates Commission finds this law creates state‑mandated costs, the state reimburses local agencies and school districts. Payments follow the existing Government Code claims process. The law sets no dollar amounts.
Using files in lawsuits by youth
In a civil case or government claim by or for the youth against child welfare or probation, the attorney can get juvenile file information and copies. They may use it only in that case. Immigration status and information about other minors stay confidential unless the juvenile court orders otherwise. People helping the attorney must return or destroy copies after the case. Filings from the file are under seal unless the court orders otherwise; the youth can ask to file unsealed except in unusual cases.
Who can see juvenile files
Only listed people and agencies can inspect juvenile case files. Sealed parts stay off-limits unless sealing laws allow access. Other privacy laws still control and the court releases protected parts only if it will not harm a child. People who get records cannot share them without authorization; attaching records needs the juvenile judge’s approval. Some authorized people may receive copies, and DSS‑licensed staff must get confidential info through a child protective agency. In an appeal or writ, you can inspect and copy the records the juvenile court already gave you for that case.
Limited release after a child’s death
A court may release a deceased child’s dependency case file to the public. The court must redact information about other children unless it orders otherwise. Interested people can object; the hearing occurs within 60 days. The court issues a decision within 30 days after the hearing. The judge may limit release if it would harm another child.
School notices and student privacy rules
When a court finds a student committed listed offenses, it must notify the district superintendent within seven days. The superintendent sends it to the principal, who shares it only to help or protect students and staff. Staff must keep it confidential; an intentional breach is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Schools keep a separate confidential file and destroy it when the student graduates, leaves juvenile court, or turns 18. After that date, the student or parent can request a written check; the principal must reply in 30 days. Probation reports must list the student’s current school, and the county superintendent must give the court school and contact lists. People who send or fail to send the required notice are generally not liable.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Benjamin Allen
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 9/10/2025
Item 63 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 40 • No: 0
House vote • 9/9/2025
Item 27 — Assembly AFLOOR
Yes: 79 • No: 0
legislature vote • 7/16/2025
Vote in CX25
Yes: 12 • No: 0
legislature vote • 6/24/2025
Vote in CX13
Yes: 11 • No: 1
Senate vote • 4/24/2025
Item 105 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 37 • No: 0
legislature vote • 4/8/2025
Vote in CS53
Yes: 13 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 221, Statutes of 2025.
10/1/2025SenateApproved by the Governor.
10/1/2025legislatureEnrolled and presented to the Governor at 11 a.m.
9/22/2025legislatureAssembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2821.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9/10/2025SenateIn Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
9/9/2025SenateRead third time. Passed. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 3066.) Ordered to the Senate.
9/9/2025HouseOrdered to third reading.
9/4/2025HouseRead third time and amended.
9/4/2025HouseRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
7/17/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (July 16).
7/16/2025HouseRead second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
6/25/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 1.) (June 24).
6/24/2025HouseReferred to Com. on JUD.
5/12/2025HouseIn Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
4/24/2025HouseRead third time. Passed. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 887.) Ordered to the Assembly.
4/24/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
4/22/2025SenateFrom committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to consent calendar.
4/21/2025SenateSet for hearing April 21.
4/10/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 13. Noes 0. Page 706.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4/9/2025SenateSet for hearing April 8.
3/17/2025SenateReferred to Com. on JUD.
2/26/2025SenateFrom printer. May be acted upon on or after March 17.
2/18/2025SenateIntroduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
2/14/2025Senate
Bill Text
Chaptered
10/1/2025
Enrolled
9/13/2025
Amended Assembly
9/4/2025
Amended Assembly
6/25/2025
Introduced
2/14/2025