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California bills · 2025-2026 Regular Session

California SB 483

Mental health diversion.

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To Governor
  6. Became law

Sponsors

Summary

Official abstract published by the California legislature· summary

Existing law authorizes the court to grant pretrial diversion to a defendant diagnosed with a mental disorder if the defendant satisfies certain eligibility requirements and if the court determines that the defendant is suitable for diversion. Existing law defines "pretrial diversion" as the postponement of prosecution to allow the defendant to undergo mental health treatment, subject to certain requirements, such as the court is satisfied that the recommended program will meet the specialized needs of the defendant, among others. Existing law provides that a defendant is suitable for pretrial diversion if certain criteria are met, including that the defendant agrees to comply with the treatment as a condition of diversion and they will not pose an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety, among others. Existing law defines "unreasonable risk of danger to public safety" as an unreasonable risk that the defendant will commit a new violent felony, as specified. This bill would additionally require that the defendant agree that the recommended treatment plan will meet their specialized needs and would redefine "pretrial diversion" to require that the court is also satisfied that the recommended program is consistent with the underlying purpose of mental health diversion, as described. The bill would state that, notwithstanding the court's determination whether a defendant may pose an unreasonable risk that the defendant will commit a new violent felony, the court retains discretion to deny pretrial diversion if it concludes that the defendant poses an unreasonable risk to the physical safety of another.

Text versions

Roll-call votes

State vote data last updated Oct 19, 2026, 12:27 AM.

DateVoteResultYour legislators
Jul 15, 2025
House		Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent CalendarpassSet your home in California to see
Jun 4, 2025
Senate		3rd ReadingpassSet your home in California to see
May 23, 2025
Senate		Do pass as amendedpassSet your home in California to see
Apr 7, 2025
Senate		Placed on suspense filepassSet your home in California to see
Mar 25, 2025
Senate		Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]passSet your home in California to see

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