WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 27

Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Umberg

California establishes CARE Courts to divert mental health and addiction crisis cases from criminal courts to treatment-focused civil courts with coordinated support services.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 528, Statutes of 2025.
#communityassistance #recovery #andempowerment(care)courtprogram
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 27

Legislative bill overview

SB 27 establishes the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program in California, creating a new civil court framework to address mental health crises, substance use disorders, and related issues through treatment and support services rather than criminal prosecution. The program allows law enforcement and community members to refer individuals experiencing behavioral crises to specialized courts that coordinate mental health treatment, housing, and wraparound services. The bill was signed into law in October 2025 after passing the Legislature unanimously.

Why is this important

This legislation represents a significant shift in how California responds to individuals in mental health and addiction crises, potentially reducing incarceration and emergency room visits while connecting vulnerable populations to treatment. The unanimous passage suggests broad bipartisan support for diverting individuals from the criminal justice system to therapeutic intervention, addressing a documented gap between demand for mental health services and available civil court options.

Potential points of contention

  • Civil liberties concerns: The bill allows law enforcement and community members to petition for involuntary court involvement, raising questions about due process protections and potential overreach in referring individuals without their consent
  • Resource allocation and implementation: Success depends on adequate funding and availability of treatment services, housing, and support systems—unfunded mandates could strain county budgets and limit program effectiveness
  • Scope of referrals: Defining which behavioral crises qualify for CARE Court versus emergency psychiatric holds or criminal prosecution requires clear guidelines to prevent both underutilization and mission creep

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.