CA SB1421

Requires peace officer and custodial officer personnel records to be made public under the California Public Records Act, specifically for incidents involving firearm discharge, use of force resulting in death or great bodily injury, sustained findings of sexual assault, and sustained findings of dishonesty related to crime reporting or officer misconduct investigations.

Mandates release of investigative reports, audio/video evidence, interview transcripts, autopsy reports, disciplinary records, and all materials presented to determine whether to file criminal charges or impose discipline.

Allows agencies to redact only personal identifying information (home addresses, family member names), complainant and witness identities, confidential medical/financial information, and information that poses significant danger to officer or public safety.

Permits delays in disclosure for active criminal investigations up to 60 days or until charging decision, whichever is sooner, and up to 18 months for investigations to avoid interfering with criminal proceedings, with written justification required.

Exempts frivolous or unfounded complaints from mandatory release and does not affect existing criminal discovery rules or Pitchess motions in court proceedings.