Bill
AB 898
California law establishes Family Urgent Response System deploying civilian responders to non-violent emergency calls instead of police, addressing reform demands while raising implementation and funding questions.
AB 898 establishes the Family Urgent Response System (FURS), a program that deploys trained civilian responders to low-risk emergency calls instead of armed police officers. The bill creates a framework for California cities and counties to implement alternative response models for incidents involving mental health crises, welfare checks, homeless individuals, and other non-violent situations.
This legislation directly addresses growing calls for police reform by creating a scalable alternative to traditional law enforcement responses. It potentially reduces unnecessary police encounters, lowers municipal liability costs, and may improve outcomes for vulnerable populations by connecting them with social workers and mental health professionals rather than armed officers.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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