SB 27: Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.

This bill aims to improve the care process for adults with severe mental illnesses, specifically those diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. A new court program, known as the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (Care) Court program, would be established to provide behavioral health services, including medication and housing, to eligible individuals. The bill would allow courts to make a prima facie determination without a hearing and consider a defendant's eligibility for both diversion and the care program during the initial hearing. The court would also be authorized to refer the defendant to the care program if they agree and the court believes they may be eligible. If the defendant is not accepted into the care program, the court would refer them back to criminal court for a hearing to determine eligibility for a diversion program. The bill would al…