A new law is in effect that dictates when and how law enforcement agencies can publish suspect mug shots on social media platforms.
Under Assembly Bill 994, which began on January 1, 2024, police departments and sheriffs office will have to include the name and pronounces provided by the person arrested when their mugshot is posted on social media accounts.
According to the Bill:
With the bill now in effect, law enforcement agencies are now forced to go back on all their social media platforms and begin editing or removing old postings.
The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Corey Jackson last February and was one of four bills signed by Governor Gavin Newsom where he said policies are a step forward for a more just and equitable California.
Timeline:
- 2/15/23 – Bill was introduced
- 3/21/23 – Passed Assembly Public Safety Committee in 5-2 vote.
- 4/25/23 – Passed Asm Privacy and Consumer Protection in 8-3 vote
- 5/10/23 – Passed Asm Appropriations in 12-3 vote
- 5/25/23 – Passed Assembly in 48-17 vote
- 6/20/23 – passed Senate Public Safety Committee in 4-1 vote
- 7/6/23 – Passed Sen Judiciary in 7-2 vote
- 9/5/23 – Passed Senate Floor in 25-11 vote
- 9/7/23 – Passed Assembly Floor in 52-20 vote
- 9/23/23 – Bill approved by Governor and Chaptered
Previous Stories:
- Jan 1 – CHP Highlights New Traffic Safety Laws for 2024
- Dec 29 – ABC Highlights New Alcoholic Beverage Laws
- Dec 27 – 70 New Laws in California 2024
