Kevin Benedicto Testifies Before California Assembly in Support of Assembly Bill 2318

On April 14, 2026, Benedicto & Simonovich LLP Founding Partner Kevin Benedicto testified before the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee in support of Assembly Bill 2318, legislation designed to improve access to emergency medical care during critical law enforcement incidents.

AB 2318, introduced by Assembly Member Sade Elhawary, would require California law enforcement agencies to facilitate access to emergency medical care and establish statewide standards for medical response during dangerous situations.

Testifying in his individual capacity as Vice President of the San Francisco Police Commission and a longtime criminal justice reform advocate, Benedicto emphasized the importance of timely medical intervention. “Access to medical professionals, including following critical incidents, is key,” Benedicto told the committee. “I have seen dangerous situations prevented from turning deadly thanks to timely medical aid and coordination between law enforcement and EMS.”

Benedicto also highlighted reforms implemented by the San Francisco Police Department following revisions to its Use of Force Policy in 2016, including policies focused on medical access after officer-involved incidents. He noted that while some agencies have adopted strong policies, standards vary widely across California’s more than 500 law enforcement agencies. “This bill would standardize a best practice statewide, increase transparency and accountability, and could save lives,” he testified. The hearing honored the memory of Renee Nicole Good and focused on preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Benedicto & Simonovich LLP is proud of Kevin Benedicto’s continued leadership in criminal justice reform and public safety policy throughout California.