District attorney responds to Assembly’s passage of AB 2790

Lassen County District Attorney Susan Rios expressed her disappointment with the California Assembly’s passage of AB 2790which removes health care workers as mandatory reporters for child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, and elder abuse, unless a firearm is involved.

District 1 Assemblymember Megan Dahle, who represents Lassen County, voted against the bill.

According to a post on the LCDA’s Facebook page, “Very disappointed to learn that AB 2790 passed the Assembly this week on a 42-23 vote (13 abstentions). This bill removes health care workers as mandated reporters for child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, and elder abuse, unless a firearm is involved.

“So many of these cases are not brought to law enforcement’s attention until a health care worker is involved; and now, if this passes, we may never know unless the victim asks for it to be reported. The legislative language states the intent is to not deter abuse victims from seeking medical attention, but let’s get real: it’s another measure in place to protect criminals in this state.