Deferred entry of judgment.

Existing law establishes a procedure of diversion for defendants with mental disorders through which the court may grant pretrial diversion, for a period no longer than 2 years, to a defendant suffering from a mental disorder, on an accusatory pleading alleging the commission of a misdemeanor or felony offense, in order to allow the defendant to undergo mental health treatment. This bill would require the Counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco to create a deferred entry of judgment program for defendants who are arrested for disorderly conduct, as specified, public nuisance, or trespassing, and who the court determines have a mental health or substance abuse disorder. The bill would require those counties to assign at least one mental health professional or social worker to collaborate with the court and the county jail to work with people arrested to address housing and services. The bill would require the judge, as part of the deferred entry of judgment program, to require the defendant to participate in programs, chosen by the court and with the advice of the mental health professional or social worker, that are designed to provide assistance, shelter, and treatment for people with mental health or substance abuse disorders. By requiring local governments to implement this program, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.