First responders can ask county mental health agencies to file CARE Court petitions
Instead of filing a CARE Court petition themselves, first responders can ask the county behavioral health agency to file one for a person with severe psychotic illness. The agency must decide within 30 business days and tell the first responder the outcome.
Who it affects
First responders and county behavioral health agencies
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027. California laws take effect on January 1 of the year after they are signed, unless the law says otherwise.
- : Signed into law
- : This law takes effect
Official text
California SB 989: Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.