Sacramento, CA — Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen’s AB 46 passed the Assembly Floor today on concurrence and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for consideration.
AB 46 strengthens judicial discretion in California’s mental health diversion program by clarifying the public safety standard courts use when determining whether diversion should be granted.
“This bill represents years of work on an issue that has generated significant discussion among courts, prosecutors, advocates, and policymakers,” said Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. “I am proud of where we ultimately landed. AB 46 gives courts a more workable framework for evaluating public safety risks while preserving the intent of California’s mental health diversion program.”
The bill is co-sponsored by the California District Attorneys Association and district attorneys from across California. Following extensive stakeholder discussions, the measure advanced through the Legislature with bipartisan support.
“With the passage of AB 46 out of Assembly concurrence, this important bill has reached the final milestone on the path to becoming law,” said Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. “I am grateful to Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen and the entire California Legislature for its thoughtful consideration and bipartisan collaboration as the measure moves to the Governor’s desk. I strongly urge the Governor to take the final step to sign AB 46 and put critical safeguards on California’s Mental Health Diversion to protect public safety.”
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Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen represents the Cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove