California Signed Law for Child Sex Abuse Cases
The new legislation forces prosecutors to detail their rationale for charging decisions in specific abuse cases.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2273, known as the Scrivner Act, into law to mandate greater transparency in child sex abuse cases. The bill requires prosecutors to formally explain why they may choose not to pursue charges that would block mental health diversion.
Why it matters
The legislation was passed following significant public outcry over the legal handling of former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner. It aims to ensure accountability when elected officials are accused of specific crimes against minors.
The California Department of Justice previously filed three counts of child endangerment and two counts of assault weapon possession against Zack Scrivner. A judge granted Scrivner mental health diversion in December 2025.
The players
Gavin Newsom
He is the current Governor of California who signed the bill into law.
Zack Scrivner
He is a former Kern County Supervisor who faced child endangerment and assault weapon charges.
California Department of Justice
This state agency is responsible for enforcing laws and investigating criminal cases in California.
The details
The Scrivner Act requires prosecutors to explain their reasoning when they decline to file charges that would render a defendant ineligible for mental health diversion. It also mandates that charges be filed within 30 days if evidence of specific sex crimes against minors by elected officials is discovered.
Timeline
In April 2024, testimony alleged that Zack Scrivner committed a sexual offense against a child.
A judge granted Scrivner mental health diversion in December 2025.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2273 into law on September 29, 2026.
The Scrivner Act takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Legal Context
The Scrivner Act modifies the application of California's mental health diversion statute by imposing strict transparency requirements on prosecutors. This follows a broader trend in the state of tightening oversight regarding how elected officials are prosecuted for crimes against minors.
Residents in Kern County and across California may see increased transparency in how high-profile cases involving elected officials are processed. The law creates a clear 30-day timeline for charges, potentially altering the speed and visibility of future investigations.
The takeaway
This law establishes a permanent record requirement for prosecutors deciding whether to pursue charges against elected officials. It shifts the burden of explanation onto state authorities to justify legal paths that bypass traditional sentencing.
Further reading
Learn more about local updates at California Sex Crimes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KERO.
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