This measure would urge the Governor, relevant state agencies, and all local governments to adopt an urgent and coordinated approach to end and prevent unsheltered homelessness statewide, as specified.
Sen. Catherine Blakespear
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Existing law authorizes a court to grant pretrial diversion 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. Existing law provides that a defendant is eligible for diversion if they have been diagnosed with certain mental disorders and the court finds that the mental disorder was a significant factor in the commission of the charged offense, unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the disorder was not a motivating, causal, or contributing factor to the defendant's involvement in the alleged offense. Existing law prohibits defendants charged with specified offenses, including murder, from being placed in this diversion program. This bill would require that the diagnosis or rediagnosis with a mental disorder be within 5 years before the alleged offense. Existing law makes a defendant suitable for this diversion program if, among other criteria, a qualified mental health expert opines that the defendant's symptoms of the mental disorder that caused, contributed to, or motivated the criminal behavior, would respond to mental health treatment and the defendant will not pose an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety if treated in the community, as specified. The bill would revise that standard and instead require the court to find that the defendant will not pose a substantial and undue risk to the physical safety of another person if treated in the community. The bill would require the mental health expert's opinion to include that the proposed mental health diversion plan is clinically appropriate to address the symptoms of the defendant's mental disorder, as specified. The bill would require the court to state the reasons for denial on the record.
Under existing law, there are programs providing assistance for, among other things, emergency housing, multifamily housing, farmworker housing, home ownership for very low and low-income households, and downpayment assistance for first-time home buyers. Existing law also authorizes the issuance of bonds in specified amounts pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law and requires that proceeds from the sale of these bonds be used to finance various existing housing programs, capital outlay related to infill development, brownfield cleanup that promotes infill development, and housing-related parks. Existing law, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2018, authorized, the issuance of bonds in the amount of $4,000,000,000 to finance various existing housing programs, as well as infill infrastructure financing and affordable housing matching grant programs, as well as financing for a specified program for farm, home, and mobilehome purchase assistance for veterans, pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. This bill would enact the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which, if adopted, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $11,250,000,000, pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. Of the proceeds from the sale of these bonds, $10,000,000,000 would be used to finance programs to fund affordable rental housing and home ownership programs, including, among others, the Multifamily Housing Program, the CalHome Program, and the Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program, and $1,250,000,000 would be used to provide additional funding for the above-described program for farm, home, and mobilehome purchase assistance for veterans, as provided. This bill would provide for submission of the bond act to the voters at the November 3, 2026, statewide general election, in accordance with specified law. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, as Compost Awareness Week. It affects the general public and organizations by officially recognizing this specific time period for promoting composting. The measure is a commemorative resolution that does not create new laws or change existing regulations. Instead, it serves to raise awareness about composting through an official state declaration.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the year 2026 as the 60th anniversary of the pilot regional centers. It serves as a commemorative resolution to acknowledge the milestone history of these centers without altering any laws or policies. The measure affects no specific individuals or groups and does not create new obligations or change existing regulations. Its sole purpose is to formally recognize the date in official records.
This measure would proclaim the month of May 2026 as California Tourism Month and would urge the citizens of this great state to support tourism and local businesses by traveling in the state as an act of civic pride.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 23, 2026, as GM1 Gangliosidosis Awareness Day in California to raise public attention about this rare genetic disorder. The measure does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the condition and support affected families. By establishing this specific date, the legislation aims to encourage community awareness and education regarding GM1 Gangliosidosis.
This measure would recognize May 10, 2026, as the 119th annual Mother's Day and would urge all Californians to recognize, appreciate, and be grateful for the gifts and good works of mothers on that day.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates Monday, May 4, 2026, as California Peace Officers' Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal proclamation to recognize the date. The measure affects the state by establishing an official day of remembrance for peace officers.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness about preventing child abuse. The measure does not change laws or allocate funding but instead directs state agencies to acknowledge the month through official proclamations. By recognizing this period, the legislature aims to highlight the importance of child safety without altering existing policies.