A new bill authored by Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield is moving forward in the California Legislature, aiming to change how the state handles mental health diversion in criminal cases.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 1373, recently passed the Senate Public Safety Committee. Its goal is to stop violent offenders from using the mental health diversion program to avoid accountability, while still protecting people who truly need mental health treatment.
California’s mental health diversion law was originally created to help individuals suffering from mental illness get treatment instead of jail time. But Senator Grove and law enforcement officials say the program has drifted from its purpose.
They argue some people accused of serious crimes— including child abuse and human trafficking—have been able to seek diversion, avoid prosecution, and later have their records cleared.
Under SB 1373, judges would regain more authority to deny diversion when someone poses a danger to others. The bill would also tighten eligibility rules by excluding certain serious crimes and requiring recent, documented mental health diagnoses.
In some cases, courts would have to hold additional hearings before approving diversion.
Supporters of the bill say these reforms balance compassion with public safety. They believe mental health diversion should help those who truly need it—not serve as a loophole for violent offenders to escape consequences.
SB 1373 now moves on to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where lawmakers will review its potential financial impact before further debate.
