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NewsKESQ NewsChannel 3 — Local NewsJune 30, 2026Riverside

New Law Limits Mental Health Diversion for Certain Criminal Defendants

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 46 into law, which restricts the ability of certain criminal defendants to use mental health treatment claims to avoid incarceration. The legislation was introduced by Assemblywoman Stephanie Nguyen and supported by the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

criminal justicemental healthlegislationRiverside County
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Why It Matters

The law changes the criteria for programs, potentially increasing incarceration rates for defendants accused of violent crimes who previously sought to avoid jail time through psychiatric disorder claims.

Key Facts

  • Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 46 into law on Monday.
  • The law aims to prevent defendants accused of potentially violent crimes from using mental health treatment claims to avoid incarceration.
  • The legislation was sponsored by Assemblywoman Stephanie Nguyen.
  • The Riverside County District Attorney's Office supported the bill.

Who's Mentioned

personStephanie Nguyen“Assemblywoman who introduced Assembly Bill 46.”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California who signed the bill into law.”organizationRiverside County District Attorney's Office“The office that backed the legislation.”