SB 483: Mental health diversion.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 29, 2025August 29 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
2. August 20, 2025August 20 set for first hearing. Placed on APPR. suspense file.
3. July 16, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (July 15). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. July 9, 2025From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
5. July 1, 2025July 1 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
6. June 16, 2025Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
7. June 5, 2025In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
8. June 4, 2025Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 38. Noes 0. Page 1503.) Ordered to the Assembly.
9. May 27, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
10. May 23, 2025Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
11. May 23, 2025From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 6. Noes 0. Page 1201.) (May 23).
12. May 16, 2025Set for hearing May 23.