April 26, 2023 - SACRAMENTO, CA – The State Senate Judiciary on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 331, Piqui’s Law, by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), which will require several needed reforms to family courts and the judicial system to ensure a child’s safety in custody proceedings.

SB 331, Piqui’s Law: Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence is named after a 5-year-old little boy murdered by his father. Piqui’s mother, Ana Estevez, fought in family court to protect her son against her ex-husband before Piqui’s death.

“Protecting our children should always be a priority, but the legal system failed Piqui, and so many other children,” said Senator Rubio. “SB 331 will begin a systematic change in family court to prevent another family from suffering such pain. I’m proud to work with Ana Estevez and other advocates on Piqui’s Law to prevent one more child from dying. I am so proud of 10 year-old Zoe Winenger, who bravely testified on the unnecessary trauma she suffered as a result of a reunification camp.”

“With a bipartisan vote in favor of SB 331 - Piqui’s Law, the Senate Judiciary Committee sent a strong message that they stand with us and support court reform,” said Ana Estevez. “My little Piqui would be so proud. This small victory is an incredible first step, and we will continue to persevere until all judges are informed and all children are safe.”

Piqui’s Law will direct Judicial Council to establish critical trainings on domestic violence and child abuse as part of the continuous education for judges and other specified individuals performing duties in family law matters, will establish judicial reporting requirements on these trainings, will require expert testimony during child custody proceedings, and prohibit a court from ordering family reunification treatments.

The bill will next be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senator Susan Rubio represents Senate District 22. For more information, visit https://sd22.senate.ca.gov/
Source: Senator Susan Rubio