Elected Officials Urge Support for AB 2040

Bill would restore 'clear and convincing evidence' standard for juvenile offenders

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty courtroom bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the future of juvenile justice reform.As lawmakers debate the merits of juvenile justice reform, an empty courtroom reflects the gravity of the decisions that will shape the future of how the criminal justice system handles violent crimes committed by minors.Today in Sacramento

Elected officials, including Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, gathered at the State Capitol on Tuesday to urge support for Assembly Bill 2040. The bill would restore legislation passed by voters in 2016 through Prop 57, which lawmakers have since amended. Specifically, the bill would change language from 'clear and convincing evidence' to 'a preponderance of the evidence' for transferring juvenile offenders to adult court.

Why it matters

The proposed changes to the law would allow juveniles who commit violent crimes like murder, rape, or kidnapping to be held accountable in adult court, rather than facing reduced sentences in the juvenile justice system. This is a contentious issue, with supporters arguing it's necessary for public safety and opponents concerned about overly harsh treatment of minors.

The details

AB 2040, also known as 'Lorenso's Law,' is authored by Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo and is making its way through the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The bill is named after Lorenso Sanchez, a teenager who was fatally stabbed by a 15-year-old suspect who only faced 7 years in juvenile detention. Supporters of the bill, including Sheriff Cooper, argue the current laws passed by the legislature 'want no accountability for individuals' and are 'troublesome.'

  • The bill was introduced in the California State Assembly in April 2026.
  • Elected officials gathered at the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 15, 2026 to urge support for the bill.

The players

Jim Cooper

Sacramento County Sheriff who spoke in support of AB 2040.

Alexandra Macedo

Assemblywoman whose district includes Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, and the author of AB 2040.

Julia Sanchez

Mother of Lorenso Sanchez, a teenager who was fatally stabbed by a 15-year-old suspect who only faced 7 years in juvenile detention.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The way the legislature passed laws, they want no accountability for individuals. That's just troublesome.”

— Jim Cooper, Sacramento County Sheriff

“Something I will forever remember. Something a mother should never see. It's a haunting memory.”

— Julia Sanchez, Mother of Lorenso Sanchez

“Lorenzo's name will live on as he maybe saves the lives of juveniles in the future.”

— Alexandra Macedo, Assemblywoman

What’s next

As of now, AB 2040 is making its way through the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over juvenile justice reform, with supporters arguing for tougher accountability measures and opponents concerned about the impacts on minors. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for how the criminal justice system handles violent crimes committed by juveniles in California.