Substance abuse.

Senator Menjivar's legislation expands California's framework for involuntary treatment by incorporating chronic alcoholism into existing mental health commitment criteria and establishing new protocols for electronic case management. The bill modifies the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act's definition of "gravely disabled" to include individuals unable to provide for basic needs due to severe alcohol use disorder, as defined by current diagnostic standards.

The legislation requires the Department of Health Care Services to develop training guidelines for counties on electronic submission of evaluation orders under involuntary hold provisions. It also revises the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act to allow original petitioners to maintain their role in proceedings with respondent and agency consent, rather than automatic substitution by county behavioral health directors.

For CARE Act cases, the bill enhances confidentiality protections for clinical evaluations and reports while establishing specific timelines for hearings and treatment planning. It mandates that county behavioral health agencies work with respondents, counsel, and supporters to develop comprehensive care plans within 14 days of court findings. These plans may incorporate an array of existing behavioral health, housing, and social services programs.

The Department of Health Care Services must provide expanded training to county agencies on CARE processes, electronic systems, supported decision-making, and trauma-informed approaches. The Judicial Council will develop parallel training for courts on working with supporters and implementing evidence-based treatment models for severe behavioral health conditions.

Counties may defer implementing certain provisions until January 2026. The legislation maintains existing funding mechanisms while redistributing responsibilities among state and local agencies to support more integrated case management and service delivery.