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Senator Steven Choi, Ph.D. (R-Irvine), announced that Senate Bill 1242 has passed the Senate on concurrence and is headed to the Governor’s desk. The bill strengthens family input in CARE Court while preserving patient privacy.
“Families often know their loved one’s treatment history, struggles, and needs better than anyone,” said Senator Choi. “SB 1242 ensures this knowledge can inform care while protecting the individual’s rights. I urge the Governor to sign this commonsense measure.”
SB 1242 allows family members who initiated CARE Court proceedings to share information about their loved one’s condition, treatment history, housing, and safety. CARE teams must receive, review, and document relevant information, which the court may consider when evaluating progress and care needs.
The bill maintains confidentiality protections and does not give family members authority to direct treatment or access confidential medical records.
SB 1242 is sponsored by the Conference of California Bar Associations and supported by NAMI California, the Treatment Advocacy Center, and the California State Association of Psychiatrists. If signed into law, SB 1242 will go into effect on January 1, 2027.