Criminal procedure: child pornography.

Assembly Member Alanis proposes new restrictions on the handling of child pornography evidence in California criminal proceedings, shifting control of these materials exclusively to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts. The legislation eliminates existing provisions that permit attorneys to share copies with defendants, their families, or court-appointed assistants.

Under the proposed changes, defendants and their legal teams must examine child pornography evidence at designated facilities - prosecution offices, law enforcement locations, or court buildings. The materials cannot be copied, photographed, or reproduced in any form, though prosecutors must provide "ample opportunity" for defendants and their experts to inspect the evidence. The bill also establishes protocols for victims and their attorneys to access relevant materials, with provisions for redacting information to protect third-party privacy.

The measure creates new responsibilities for local criminal justice agencies, qualifying it as a state-mandated program. If the Commission on State Mandates determines the changes impose costs on local jurisdictions, state reimbursement would be required through existing statutory mechanisms.