Courtesy Facebook
SACRAMENTO, CA (KUZZ) — California lawmakers have passed a bill authored by a Bakersfield state senator designed to reshape the state’s mental health diversion program.
SB 1373, introduced by Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, passed the senate Thursday with 32 votes in favor.
Grove fronted the bill after former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner was granted mental health diversion in a child abuse case.
Scrivner allegedly molested the 11-year-old at their Tehachapi home in April 2024.
The bill bars specific violent crimes from diversion, enforces stricter clinical standards, and prohibits repeat felony offenders from avoiding trial. It now heads to the Assembly.
Comments