AB 2498 Summary

• Allows human trafficking victims to request withholding of their names and images from public records until investigation or prosecution is complete, and extends this protection to their immediate family members.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to orally inform alleged human trafficking victims of their right to keep their names, addresses, and images confidential, and prohibits disclosure of this information except to prosecutors and specified parole/probation officers.

• Authorizes courts to grant priority trial status for human trafficking cases under Section 236.1 of the Penal Code when good cause is shown, at the court's discretion.

• Amends Section 6254 of the Government Code to add human trafficking victim privacy protections to existing public records exemptions, defining "immediate family" using standards from Section 422.4 of the Penal Code.

• Makes legislative findings establishing the constitutional basis for limiting public access to human trafficking victim information to protect privacy and safety.