SB 1016 was heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee this week. The Chairman of CSAP’s Government Affairs Committee – Dr. Aaron Meyer – testified on this sponsored bill. SB 1016 would better connect the CARE Act with the LPS system when appropriate. Specifically, SB 1016 creates a mechanism for a judge to require an evaluation of an individual who is going to be dismissed from the CARE process due to the severity of their mental illness.
Despite opposition from the Committee Chair, a long-standing opponent of CARE Court and skeptic of involuntary treatment, the bill passed with nine votes and no limiting amendments. The Chair was the only No vote while two other members abstained from voting. A large group of family members also testified in support. SB 1016 is next slated to be heard in the Assembly Health Committee on June 30.
In additional CARE Act news, Senator Umberg, the original author of the CARE Act and its subsequent cleanup legislation, recently amended his SB 28 to make sweeping changes to the CARE Act. With this being both Senator Umberg’s last year in the Legislature due to term limits and, of course, it similarly being the Governor’s last year, many in Sacramento view SB 28 as the Senator’s effort to provide CARE Court with the most critical changes needed for it to operate as he intended when it was first proposed years ago. Specifically, SB 28 would create:
Smoother transitions: Strengthens links between LPS conservatorship and CARE Court so individuals leaving conservatorship who still need intensive support are more likely to get continued treatment, rather than losing care entirely.
Easier eligibility documentation: Allows prior 5150 holds and inability to enroll in a Full-Service Partnership to count as evidence for CARE Act eligibility — giving first responders and outreach workers (who often lack access to a patient’s legal/hospitalization status) a practical way to support CARE petitions.
Better information sharing: Permits sharing of CARE Act information among behavioral health professionals, improving continuity of care when patients move into emergency or inpatient psychiatric settings.
Alternative pathways: When CARE Court isn’t the right fit, lets courts refer patients to Assisted Outpatient Treatment or for a grave disability evaluation — so dismissal leads to more support, not less.
Accountability: Creates a pathway from voluntary CARE agreements to court-ordered CARE plans with added county accountability, and establishes a CARE Court Ombudsperson to handle complaints.