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Bill

AB 2318

Law enforcement: facilitating medical care.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sade Elhawary and 3 co-sponsors

AB 2318 directs law enforcement to coordinate with medical providers to facilitate timely medical care for individuals encountered, improving access and standardizing procedures.

Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
#lawenforcement #facilitatingmedicalcare
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 2318

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: California
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Title: Law enforcement: facilitating medical care
  • Status (as of last action): Read second time and ordered to third reading (May 19, 2026); prior actions include amendments, committee referrals, and readings.

Main Purpose and Intent

AB 2318 appears to address the interaction between law enforcement and medical care, with a focus on facilitating access to medical services for individuals encountered by police or during incidents requiring medical attention. The bill is framed to improve coordination between law enforcement and medical providers, ensuring individuals receive timely medical care when appropriate, while guiding how officers should handle such situations.

Key Provisions and Changes (as indicated by the bill’s progression)

  • The bill has undergone multiple amendments and re-referrals between committees, indicating refinements to its provisions across public safety and judiciary considerations.
  • It has been through at least:
    • Public Safety (PUB. S.) committee
    • Appropriations (APPR.)
    • Judiciary (JUD)
  • Amendments have been offered by the author and co-authors, suggesting adjustments to requirements, protections, or procedural steps related to facilitating medical care in law enforcement contexts.
  • The February–May 2026 activity shows the bill moving from first readings to multiple committee passes, and ultimately to a second-reading vote with amendments, and toward a third reading.

Note: The exact statutory text is not provided here, but the bill’s progression implies provisions that govern:
- Procedures officers must follow to obtain or facilitate medical care for individuals in custody or during incidents.
- Coordination mechanisms between law enforcement agencies and medical professionals or facilities.
- Possible protections or obligations for officers, medical personnel, facilities, and the individuals involved.
- Situational guidelines (e.g., when to seek medical attention, how to assess impairment or incapacity, and how to document actions).

Affected Parties

  • Law enforcement agencies and personnel: Obligations and procedures for facilitating medical care; training and compliance requirements may be included.
  • Medical providers and healthcare facilities: Roles in responding to police-delivered referrals or requests for medical evaluation; potential reporting or documentation requirements.
  • Individuals encountered by police: Potential changes to access to medical assessment and treatment in the field or upon detainment.
  • Public safety and judiciary stakeholders: As indicated by referrals to both Public Safety and Judicial committees, procedures and liability considerations may come under scrutiny.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introductions and first readings: February 2026.
  • Committee path: Referred to Public Safety; then to Judiciary; later amendments and re-referrals indicate ongoing refinement.
  • Amendments: Multiple author amendments on April 7 and again in May 2026; some amendments accompanied by committee do-pass recommendations.
  • Second reading and amendments: May 18–19, 2026, with actions moving toward third reading.
  • Next steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would proceed to third reading and, after potential floor votes, to the other house and then to the governor for signature or veto.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Improved access to medical care for individuals encountered by law enforcement.
  • Clearer standards for when and how officers should coordinate with medical professionals.
  • Possible changes to liability, immunity, or reporting requirements for officers and medical staff.
  • Training and resource implications for agencies to implement the bill’s provisions.
  • Interagency coordination considerations, including data sharing and documentation.

If you’d like, I can tailor the summary to emphasize particular stakeholders (e.g., police departments, hospitals, or community advocates) or compare this bill to existing California law on police-medical interactions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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