Public Safety Committee Chairs Announce Support for Policy to Strengthen Judicial Power to Deny Mental Health Diversion
(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the Chairs of the Public Safety Committee in both the Assembly and Senate –- Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Oakland) and Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) –- announced their support of AB 46 by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove).
AB 46 seeks to give judges more power to assess if an offender poses a threat to public safety – protecting the community and victims.
The Chairs of the Public Safety Committees released the following statements:
“As Chair of the Senate Public Safety committee, protecting victims and the public at large is my number one goal. That’s why AB 46 is so important to our state’s public safety. This bill represents over a year of work alongside the author, listening to experts in the field, including Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, mental health professionals, and survivors whom I am proud to stand alongside today.
AB 46 gives mental health professionals and judges greater power to evaluate whether an offender poses a threat to public safety before they are granted diversion – safeguarding victims and the community.” – Chair of Senate Public Safety Committee Senator Jesse Arreguín
“As a former prosecutor, I understand that mental health diversion is an essential tool to promote rehabilitation in our criminal justice system. However, it’s a tool that requires guardrails to ensure that it’s granted only when appropriate.
“AB 46 is a comprehensive measure to guarantee that the courts have discretion to consider whether it’s suitable and safe to grant a mental health diversion petition.
“My staff and I have been working closely with Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen for well over a year to deliver a reasonable, balanced, and comprehensive solution. I am grateful for her partnership, as well as the collaboration of all our partners in the California State Senate.” - Chair of Assembly Public Safety Committee Assemblymember Nick Schultz