Bill > SB27

This bill modifies the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program by allowing courts more flexibility in conducting initial hearings for individuals with severe mental illness, specifically those diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Under the existing law, when a petition is filed to help someone who may qualify for the CARE process, the court must first determine if there is a "prima facie showing" that the individual meets the program's criteria. The bill now permits the court to conduct the initial appearance simultaneously with this prima facie determination, provided certain requirements are met. This change is designed to streamline the legal process and potentially expedite access to behavioral health services. The bill is being introduced as an urgency statute, meaning it will take effect immediately, with the goal of improving the CARE Act's implementation, which originally went into effect in October 2023. The modification aims to help courts more efficiently manage cases involving individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges, potentially reducing delays in connecting people with necessary treatment, housing, and support services.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB27