Expanding the scope of California's rape shield laws, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed AB 1996 by Assemblyman Russ Bogh, R-Beaumont. The bill received strong support from CALCASA from its inception. "I am proud to sign this legislation to further protect the privacy of victims of sexual abuse," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "This law will ensure witnesses aren't victimized twice by being forced to reveal personal information that does not pertain to the case at hand." This legislation protects a witness from having to share their sexual history when testifying as a victim of a previous sex crime or the sex crime being charged. The measure is intended to prevent potential witnesses from refusing to come forward out of fear of being embarrassed or discredited in front of a jury. The new law will take effect January 1, 2007.