California bill would let abuse victims use trauma as legal defense for violent crime

For the fourth year running, California lawmakers are weighing a bill that would let survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking cite that abuse as a legal defense against violent crime charges. According to CalMatters, Assemblymember Mia Bonta's AB 910 would also let already-convicted survivors petition to vacate their convictions, sealing and destroying case files if a judge agrees. Law enforcement groups oppose it, arguing it could let violent offenders escape accountability, while supporters, including the ACLU California Action, say very few convicted of violent crimes would actually qualify. The bill has died in committee three years straight, and CalMatters reports it's now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee next month.

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