Treatment court program standards.

Senator Umberg's treatment court legislation mandates substance abuse and mental health evaluations by qualified addiction experts for all defendants in California's treatment court programs. The bill requires these experts - including psychiatrists, psychologists, and other qualified professionals - to submit comprehensive evaluation reports to both the court and involved parties.

The legislation maintains existing treatment court requirements while ensuring programs align with established judicial standards. These standards encompass integration of behavioral health services with court processing, evidence-based treatment access, regular drug testing, and structured systems of incentives and sanctions. Treatment courts must also facilitate ongoing judicial interaction with participants and maintain partnerships with community organizations to enhance program effectiveness.

For individuals eligible under the Treatment-Mandated Felony Act, the bill guarantees access to treatment programs that meet these judicial standards. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage to ensure treatment courts can promptly implement these evaluation requirements and continue serving defendants who choose to participate in treatment programs.