Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh announced on Apr. 9 that Senate Bill 1071 has passed the Senate Health Committee with bipartisan support, moving forward efforts to ensure that California death certificates accurately reflect legal determinations when a court finds a death was a homicide.
The legislation aims to address concerns from families and advocates who say official records should match judicial outcomes, particularly in cases where deaths are caused by impaired or drunk drivers but are not classified as homicides on state documents. Advocates argue this change is necessary for both family closure and accurate public health data.
“Yesterday’s vote is a meaningful step toward giving families the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “When a court has determined that a life was taken, the official record should reflect that truth. This bill ensures that families are not left with a permanent record that contradicts the outcome of the justice system.”
Under current law, next of kin can request corrections for typographical errors or amend causes of death with physician certification, but there is no process to change the manner of death even after courts rule it was homicide. SB 1071 would allow families to request an amendment once all appellate rights have been exhausted so that official records match court decisions.
Matt Capelouto, Co-Founder of Not an Accident (NAC), said: “When a court of law determines that a death was caused by the wrongful or unlawful conduct of another person, the official record should reflect that truth. Accountability in the courtroom should be matched by accuracy in our public records.” Candace Lightner, also Co-Founder of NAC, added: “Families deserve the truth, not euphemisms. Impaired driving isn’t just an accident; it’s a choice. My daughter’s death was not an accident—it was a homicide. That’s how it should be reflected on her death certificate.”
Accurate classification impacts more than just grieving families; these statistics inform public health research and guide criminal justice policy across California. Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin said: “This bill fills a critical victims’ rights and public-data gap… SB 1071 creates a clear path to align death certificates with judicial findings, honor victims, and ensure reliable public data.” The bill is sponsored by his office along with advocates from Not an Accident.
SB 1071 will next be heard before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
