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SB 807: Evidence: penitential communications: documents (2005)

Summary

A penitential communication is one made in confidence to a member of the clergy who, according to the tenets of his or her church, has a duty to keep those communications secret.  Under current law, members of the clergy can invoke their privilege and refuse to turn over documents that they believe are protected as a penitential communication.

SB 807 (2005) would have exempted certain writings from being protected as a penitential communication.  Specifically, documents that relate to sexual abuse would have been eligible for use as evidence in court proceedings. 

Final Status and Text

SB 807 is no longer active. Its final status was:
Did not pass the Legislature

You can read its final text on the Legislature's Bill Information site.