Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, has introduced Assembly Bill 2432 (AB 2432) aimed at increasing penalties for corporations convicted of criminal offenses to provide funding for crime victim service programs. The bill would allow state courts to impose higher monetary penalties on corporate wrongdoers, with the funds going towards essential services for crime victims in California.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of additional funding for crime victim service programs, stating, "Our crime victim service programs are in dire need of additional funding ... California cannot and will not stand idly by." He expressed gratitude to Assemblymember Gabriel for partnering on this crucial issue.

Assemblymember Gabriel highlighted the significance of holding corporations accountable for their actions, stating, "This bill is about fairness and justice — when major corporations break the law, they must be held accountable." He also emphasized that AB 2432 would provide critical funding for programs supporting victims of various crimes in California.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko welcomed the creation of a California crime victim fund, citing the significant cuts to essential services in Ventura County due to declining federal revenue.

Under AB 2432, the maximum criminal fines for corporations would be increased, with all funds deposited into the newly created California Crime Victims Fund to support victim service programs. Restitution fines for corporations would also see a significant increase, with a portion going to the prosecuting agency that brought the criminal prosecution.

The proposed legislation aims to ensure that corporate offenders are held accountable and serve as a deterrent for future misconduct. It would have had a significant impact in cases like the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill, where the corporation involved paid only a fraction of the damages caused. AB 2432 would provide courts with the discretion to levy additional fines on corporations proportionate to the harm caused, with the funds benefitting crime victims across California.

AB 2432 represents a crucial step towards enhancing accountability for corporate malfeasance and providing much-needed support to crime victims in the state.