AB 1928 would provide treatment to those criminally justice involved who live with drug addiction
(Woodland, CA) – April 1, 2022 – On March 29, 2022, California Assembly Member Kevin McCarty’s drug treatment bill passed through the Assembly Health Committee with no opposition votes. McCarty authored AB 1928 in partnership with Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig and Yolo County Supervisor Gary Sandy. AB 1928 would allow the counties of Yolo, Santa Clara, and San Joaquin to develop a secured treatment facility for individuals who are criminally justice involved and who live with substance use disorders. Text of proposed legislation can be found here: https://bit.ly/3NFQBun
Those eligible for the treatment program would include people who have committed drug motivated felonies that, absent this program, would result in them serving time in jail or prison. Those who commit misdemeanors, simple drug possession, sex offenses, and strike offenses would not be eligible. Those eligible would be assessed by treatment providers who would determine the level and length of treatment. Individuals found suitable for the program would be given a choice of serving their sentence in prison or entering the secured facility where they would receive treatment to help them get well. Once they successfully complete the treatment program, they would move to a residential treatment facility or receive intensive outpatient treatment. The treatment plan for each individual would be based on the assessment and recommendation of the treatment providers. After completing the program, the current charges and prior drug convictions would be dismissed and expunged from their record so they can get a fresh start.
McCarty introduced the bill concept and then introduced Yolo County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Raven as a witness testifying in favor of the bill. Raven gave an example of someone who might benefit from this program. “A 40-year-old is convicted of felony commercial burglary. He also is addicted to heroin. He committed the crime to feed his drug habit. He’s been to prison four times and three years ago was convicted of assault causing great bodily injury,” said Raven. “Throughout his life, he’s never gotten the necessary help to get well. Hope CA would give him an alternative to state prison.”
Gary Burt also testified in support of the bill. Burt is “Case Manager – Emerging Scholars,” which is an equity program for formerly incarcerated and system impacted students. Burt told committee members, “With AB1928 I understand the concerns, however from my perspective this pilot program gives individuals the opportunity to work on their underlying substance abuse issues while also giving these individuals a new start in life by expunging their record “
There were a number of individuals representing various organizations who spoke in opposition to the bill. The roll call vote was taken, and the bill passed through on an 11-0 vote. McCarty stated, “I realize the Governor vetoed this Bill in the last session, but I’m glad to see his position has evolved with his CARE Court program that is now a bill in the Senate.” Text of proposed legislation for SB1338 can be found here: https://bit.ly/3uLhFQo
The next stop for AB 1928 is the Senate Public Committee where the bill will be heard. Yolo County Supervisor Sandy stated he was pleased to see the Bill moving forward. “The population we are looking at is ill and suffers from serious drug addictions. But they also are committing significant crimes in our communities which must be addressed. We need to try something new and this bill will give those who would be spending time in jail or prison a choice and opportunity to get the help they need in a secure facility. It’s the humane way to treat them.”
For more information on AB 1928 “Hope California” please visit: https://yoloda.org/hope-california/
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