Open unsolved murder: review and reinvestigation.

Assembly Member Gipson's California Homicide Victims' Families' Rights Act establishes a formal process for family members to request reviews of unsolved murder cases dating back to 1990. Under the legislation, immediate family members or their legal representatives can petition law enforcement agencies to examine case files of murders that remain unsolved after three years and have exhausted all investigative leads.

The bill requires law enforcement agencies to complete case file reviews within 120 days of receiving an application, with a possible 60-day extension if warranted by case volume. These reviews must assess whether previously missed investigative steps, new witness interviews, or additional forensic testing could generate new leads. If the review indicates that a reinvestigation would yield probative evidence, agencies must reopen the case. The legislation limits concurrent reviews, allowing only one case file examination or reinvestigation per victim at any time.

After completing a review that does not lead to reinvestigation, or after concluding a reinvestigation without identifying a suspect, agencies cannot conduct additional reviews for five years unless materially significant new evidence emerges. Throughout the process, agencies must provide periodic updates to the requesting family member and issue written decisions explaining their conclusions. The law includes provisions protecting sensitive information that could compromise investigations, endanger individuals, or violate privacy obligations.