AB 1623 Summary

• Authorizes cities, counties, and community-based nonprofit organizations to establish multiagency family justice centers to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder or dependent adult abuse, and human trafficking in a single location.

• Permits family justice centers to be staffed by law enforcement, medical personnel, district attorneys, victim advocates, social workers, civil legal providers, and other professionals to reduce the number of times victims must tell their story.

• Prohibits denial of services based on criminal history and ensures victims are not required to cooperate with law enforcement or participate in the criminal justice system to receive counseling, medical care, or other services.

• Requires informed, written consent from victims before sharing their information with staff or agency partners, except for mandated reporters, peace officers, and prosecution team members who have mandatory reporting duties.

• Mandates each family justice center maintain at least eight hours of annual training for all staff, volunteers, and agency professionals covering privileges, confidentiality, risk assessment, safety planning, and victim advocacy.