CA SB5

Allows qualifying family members (biological or adoptive parents, spouses, or legal guardians) of deceased minors killed by criminal acts to request sealing of autopsy reports and related examination evidence from public disclosure after a conviction or juvenile court adjudication.

Permits disclosure of sealed autopsy reports and evidence only to law enforcement, prosecutors, defense teams, civil litigants with court orders, and specified agencies for investigative, prosecutorial, or review purposes without further dissemination.

Prohibits coroners and medical examiners from civil liability for reasonable acts or omissions taken in good faith to comply with the sealing provisions.

Allows superior court hearings to resolve disputes between qualifying family members regarding whether sealing should be maintained, considering factors including protection of the deceased child's memory and public interest in scrutiny.

Excludes children who were dependent children of the juvenile court or residing in juvenile facilities at the time of death, and establishes that basic death certificate information remains publicly available.