SACRAMENTO, CA – The California State Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 46, authored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D–Elk Grove), which gives judges the discretion to consider public safety when reviewing mental health diversion requests. The bill now moves to the State Senate.

Under existing law, courts are often required to grant diversion if clinical criteria are met, even when the defendant may pose a serious risk to others. AB 46 allows judges to take into account factors such as the treatment plan, criminal history, and seriousness of the offense before deciding whether to grant diversion.

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assembly Democrats announced an agreement to amend Assembly Bill 379, strengthening California law on solicitation of minors and increasing support for victims and survivors.

By amending AB 379, Public Safety Chair Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) worked in partnership with joint-author Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) and Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento), who supports the bill as a co-author.

Sacramento, CA – This past Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Assembly Bill 46 (AB 46), authored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with strong support. The legislation aims to restore critical judicial discretion in California’s mental health diversion law—allowing judges to consider public safety before granting diversion in criminal cases.