From Fullerton
Observer.
The Office of Senator Tom Umberg, 34th District, Press
Release – February 14, 2025 – Senator
Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) announced the introduction of his
Senate Bill 38 which proposes to make drug and collaborative
courts eligible for competitive grants administered by the Board
of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
Voters approved of Proposition 47 on the November 2014 ballot
which generated savings with its implementation. Sixty-five
percent of these savings are set aside annually for the BSCC to
administer a competitive grant program for services related to
mental health, substance use treatment, and diversion.
This past November, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36
which, among other things, established a “Treatment Mandated
Felony” option for people with two or more prior serious drug
convictions. This would allow people with serious addictions to
choose drug treatment rather than incarceration as a pathway to
recovery and rehabilitation.
“The voters have spoken loud and clear,” said Senator Umberg,
“It’s our job now to make sure that Proposition 36 is given the
support it needs to succeed.”
Senator Umberg’s Senate Bill 38, sponsored by the Chief
Probation Officers of California (CPOC), would make
court, collaborative court programs, and Treatment Mandated
Felony programs expressly eligible for the BSCC competitive grant
program.
Additionally, Senate Bill 38 allows for public entities to apply
for this funding, which will help county courts, prosecutors,
public defenders, probation departments, and behavioral health
programs coordinate as they work to implement Prop 36.
“We know firsthand that highly incentivized drug treatment when
paired with supervision and accountability, delivers effective
results,” stated San Joaquin County Probation Chief Steven
Jackson, who is also president of CPOC.
“We fully support this legislation and applaud Senator Umberg’s
leadership. It effectively uses existing resources into proven
drug treatment programs that enhance both individual
rehabilitation and community safety.”
…
The measure is expected to be heard in policy committees sometime
in March or April.
Read the full article
here.
