CAL.Regulation
California bars officers from obstructing medical care for people in their control
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2318 on September 29, 2026. It adds Penal Code section 832.11, making it unlawful for law enforcement — including federal officers acting under color of law — to deny, delay, or obstruct medical care for a person under their control when safe and reasonable and a medical professional requested care or is present and willing. Denials must be documented within 72 hours and reported to civilian oversight when a professional was present.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- Bars law enforcement, including federal officers, from obstructing medical care for people in their control.California Legislative Information
- Duty applies when care is safe and reasonable and a medical professional requested it or is present and willing.California Legislative Information
- Denials require 72-hour documentation and reporting to civilian oversight when a professional was present.California Legislative Information
- CDCR custody is excluded; violations subject officers to administrative discipline.California Legislative Information
- Takes effect January 1, 2027; reports go to the civilian oversight body or the Office of the Inspector General.California Legislative Information
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor
Filed under
RegulationCal.AB 2318 — Medical Care for Persons in Law-Enforcement ControlCivil rightsHealthcarePublic safetyFor practitionersFor governance