SB 27 Improves Implementation and Expands Eligibility for California’s CARE Court

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D–Santa Ana), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 27, legislation to strengthen and expand California’s Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court.

“California doesn’t sit on the sidelines while people fall through the cracks,” said Governor Newsom. “We don’t stand by while people spiral on our sidewalks or cycle through emergency rooms and jail cells — we step up. We built CARE Court to connect people to treatment, dignity, and accountability — because care and accountability belong at the center of how we serve our communities.”

“SB 27 is critical for the effective expansion and implementation of CARE Court in California,” said Senator Umberg. “With this legislation, more Californians will finally receive the assistance they need to fully reintegrate into society. SB 27 provides a balanced and compassionate path forward—far preferable to the extremes we’ve seen elsewhere, whether it’s sweeping executive orders on civil commitments or doing nothing at all and allowing people to die on our streets. The beauty of CARE Court is that it holds both institutions and individuals accountable, ensures individuals get the care they need and gives judges a clear role in overseeing and guiding the process. This bill focuses on implementation by listening to and learning from counties about what’s working and what’s not, in order to meet the goals of the original CARE Court legislation.”

Senate Bill 27 - CARE Court Clean Up: 

Senate Bill 27 makes several important reforms to the CARE Act to ensure more effective delivery of behavioral health services and court oversight. Specifically, the bill:

• Requires courts to consider CARE referral as an option for Misdemeanor Incompetent to Stand Trial (MIST) defendants.
• Combines specified hearings to create greater efficiency in court proceedings.
• Allows data sharing between CARE partners and expands participation to additional licensed medical professionals.
• Revises eligibility criteria and definitions to ensure clarity and inclusivity.
• Expands CARE eligibility to include mood disorders with psychotic features, in addition to schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
• Clarifies that courts retain ongoing oversight and flexibility throughout the duration of CARE plans.

Background: 

Established by SB 1338 (Umberg and Eggman, 2022), the CARE Act created a civil court process to connect individuals living with serious mental illness to community-based behavioral health treatment and support. The Act allows family members, first responders, and others to petition the court to engage individuals in care plans, with accountability built in for both the participant and county agencies.

SB 27 was drafted to address gaps and confusion in the original CARE Act, including strict eligibility standards that excluded individuals with significant mental health disorders, unclear guidance for courts on MIST defendants, and limitations on ongoing court oversight. By clarifying these areas, the bill ensures more Californians can access CARE services when they need them most.

Read full text: Senate Bill 27 - CARE Court Clean Up 

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 Senator Thomas J. Umberg represents the 34th Senate District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Habra, Long Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, and East and South Whittier. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal prosecutor, and small businessman. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.