A courthouse divided: Assembly Bill 46 gives judges more discretion in mental health cases

Bipartisan support from legislators helped push a new directive forward that changes how courts throughout California decide whether to grant criminal offenders diagnosed with a mental illness a treatment-based alternative to jail time. Recently signed into state law, California Assembly Bill 46 redefines a judge’s discretion when considering a defendant’s application for mental health diversion. In Gov. Gavin Newsom’s words, AB 46 essentially “removes a narrow legal standard that restricted court’s abilities to deny diversion,” he stated in late…

by Caleb Wiseblood July 30, 2026

A courthouse divided: Assembly Bill 46 gives judges more discretion in mental health cases

Bipartisan support from legislators helped push a new directive forward that changes how courts throughout California decide whether to grant criminal offenders diagnosed with a mental illness a treatment-based alternative to jail time. Recently signed into state law, California Assembly Bill 46 redefines a judge’s discretion when considering a defendant’s application for…

by Caleb Wiseblood July 30, 2026