Bill Sponsor
California Assembly Bill 2014
Session 20252026
Habeas corpus: gender-based stereotypes.
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Assembly on Feb 17, 2026
First Action
Feb 17, 2026
Latest Action
Apr 22, 2026
Origin Chamber
Assembly
Type
Bill
Bill Number
2014
State
California
Session
20252026
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
Author
Assembly Votes (1)
checkPassed on April 21, 2026
Motion Text
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Summary
Existing law authorizes every person who is unlawfully imprisoned or restrained of their liberty to prosecute a writ of habeas corpus to inquire into the cause of that imprisonment or restraint. Existing law also authorizes a writ of habeas corpus to be prosecuted on the basis that competent and substantial expert testimony relating to intimate partner battering and its effects was not presented to the trier of fact at the trial court proceedings and is of such substance that, had the competent and substantial expert testimony been presented, there is a reasonable probability, sufficient to undermine confidence in the judgment of conviction or sentence, that the result of the proceedings would have been different. This bill would additionally authorize a writ of habeas corpus to be prosecuted on the basis that evidence or argument likely to trigger gender-based stereotypes was admitted or relied upon by the prosecution at trial in a manner that created a reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different if such evidence was not admitted or argument offered. The bill would provide that evidence or argument likely to trigger gender-based stereotypes includes, but is not limited to, information concerning a defendant's sexual activity, sexual orientation, sexual partners, reproductive choices, gender presentation, clothing, or romantic relationships, when offered in a matter that may invoke gender-based stereotypes. The California Constitution provides for the Right to Truth-in-Evidence, which requires a 23 vote of the Legislature to exclude any relevant evidence from any criminal proceeding, as specified. Because this bill may result in the exclusion of evidence that would otherwise be admissible in a criminal proceeding, the bill would require a 23 vote of the Legislature.
Actions (7)
04/22/2026
Assembly
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 2.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
04/16/2026
Assembly
Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
04/15/2026
Assembly
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
04/09/2026
Assembly
In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
03/02/2026
Assembly
Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
02/18/2026
Assembly
From printer. May be heard in committee March 20.
02/17/2026
Assembly
Read first time. To print.
Sources
Record Created
Feb 18, 2026 8:35:47 AM
Record Updated
Apr 23, 2026 9:05:46 AM