Santa Barbara’s District Attorney, John Savrnoch, is backing Assembly Bill 46. This bill aims to give judges and prosecutors more authority to decide which defendants with mental health issues should enter diversion programs instead of facing jail time. Currently, laws may overlook the potential risks these individuals could pose to others.
In a related development, the California Department of Health Care Services plans to allocate $20 million for building two new treatment centers in Santa Maria. Each center will have 16 beds for people facing serious mental health challenges. Suzanne Grimmesey from County Behavioral Wellness noted that these facilities will help those involved in the criminal justice system as they undergo treatment. The centers are expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Savrnoch and other district attorneys are advocating strongly for AB 46, which is set for a hearing this week. He shared alarming cases where individuals placed in diversion programs committed violent acts after their release. For example, a 43-year-old man who had previously bludgeoned a disabled individual with a rock attacked him again upon release.
Another case involved a bank robber who threatened employees before stealing cash. Savrnoch expressed concern about how broad current laws are, allowing many defendants with serious offenses to qualify for diversion based on their psychological conditions. He stated, “Judges have very limited discretion to deny diversion once a defendant meets certain criteria.”
His office is currently managing over 400 cases linked to mental health diversion but lacks the data to determine how many involve severe offenses or how many defendants complete their programs successfully. Lynne Gibbs from the Santa Barbara chapter of NAMI voiced skepticism about AB 46. She pointed out that the lack of treatment options may be a larger issue. “Some individuals need more than just voluntary programs; jail shouldn’t be their only option,” Gibbs said.
The funding for the new treatment beds comes from Proposition 1, a measure approved by California voters to enhance mental health care. Toni Navaro, head of Behavioral Wellness, highlighted that these facilities will provide crucial support for those transitioning from more intensive care settings, reducing the likelihood of hospitalization or incarceration.
Despite these promising developments, experts note that mental health resources are still lacking nationwide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 20% of adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, many of whom find themselves in the criminal justice system. This indicates a pressing need for more comprehensive treatment facilities and clear criteria for mental health diversion.
While the proposed changes and new funding may bring hope, the road ahead remains complex. Addressing both mental health and public safety requires careful planning and collaboration among lawmakers, health care providers, and the community.
