September 1, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San José) has joined the State Legislature to pass Senate Bill 577.
This bill will protect victims of childhood sexual assault and bolster access to justice, while addressing public agencies and local governments’ significant financial challenges. This measure also strengthens prevention, oversight, and safeguards for children in the care of public agencies, including foster care and juvenile detention.
“After two years of difficult negotiations, the Legislature has reached an agreement that keeps survivors at the center while giving local governments the tools they need to remain financially stable and, most importantly, prevent abuse before it happens,” said Senator Cortese. “This bill reflects what we can accomplish when we come together to find common ground on an incredibly difficult issue. I applaud Senator Laird for his leadership and urge the Governor to sign SB 577 into law.”
Among other provisions, SB 577 fortifies prevention and oversight requirements for public agencies and children’s residential facilities, enhances mandated reporter training, establishes a new state task force focused on preventing sexual assault of minors, and provides local governments with additional tools to manage liability costs.
The measure also makes targeted changes to litigation and damages involving public entities while preserving survivors’ ability to pursue claims and strengthening safeguards for children in foster care and youth-serving facilities.
“California has a responsibility to protect children and ensure that survivors have a meaningful path to justice,” Cortese said. “SB 577 moves us toward both goals by pairing accountability with stronger prevention. After two years of negotiations, getting this bill to the Governor’s desk is an important step forward.”
SB 577 is headed to the Governor’s desk where it awaits his signature.
Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov
Source: Senator Dave Cortese
