Bill > AB1549

This bill expands an existing pilot program that allows certain counties to offer alternative domestic violence programs for individuals convicted of domestic violence, instead of the standard batterer's program. Specifically, it adds Sacramento County to the list of authorized counties, which currently includes Napa, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Yolo. The bill also extends the authorization for these alternative programs from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030. These alternative programs must meet strict conditions, including developing the program in consultation with domestic violence service providers, conducting risk and needs assessments for offenders, basing treatment on those assessments, using evidence-based or promising practices, having a comprehensive curriculum, and requiring offenders to participate for at least one year unless a shorter duration is justified by a validated assessment. The counties must also collect detailed data on participants and report it annually to the Legislature. The bill declares itself an urgency statute, meaning it takes effect immediately upon passage, to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of these programs.

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https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1549