mental health diversion

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law allowing judges more discretion to deny mental health diversion programs for individuals accused of crimes, shifting the standard from assessing 'unreasonable risk' to determining if community treatment would 'endanger public safety.' Supporters argue it addresses judicial constraints, while opponents claim it reduces access to critical mental health treatment.

A man accused of racially motivated attacks in Santa Monica, including an attempted murder, will face trial after the California Supreme Court declined to review a ruling that overturned a judge's decision to grant him mental health diversion. The court's decision upholds a prior ruling against mental health diversion for the suspect.