Senator Steven Choi, Ph.D. (R–Irvine) announced today that Senate Bill 1242, the CARE Court Program Act, has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 12-0 vote across party lines.
SB 1242 strengthens California’s Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court framework by ensuring that family members who initiate CARE petitions can remain engaged throughout the court process, unless a judge determines their participation would be detrimental to the individual’s care. The bill maintains strict confidentiality protections while improving care coordination and outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness.
“SB 1242 is a practical and compassionate improvement to CARE Court,” said Senator Choi. “Families are often the first to recognize when a loved one is in crisis and the ones who remain by their side throughout recovery. This bill ensures their voices are heard while preserving the safeguards necessary to protect patient rights and well-being.”
Under current law, family members are often excluded from CARE Court proceedings after filing a petition, limiting their ability to support treatment and recovery. SB 1242 addresses this gap by allowing continued participation, recognizing the critical role families play in providing information, stability, and long-term support.
The bill is sponsored by the Conference of California Bar Associations (CCBA).
“SB 1242 represents the next logical step in this legislative progression,” said Ujvala Singh, Chair of the Conference of California Bar Associations. “The bill ensures that families remain partners in the recovery of the individual, provide ongoing support, and are involved in community-based care coordination.”
SB 1242 builds on lessons learned from early implementation of CARE Court and reinforces the program’s focus on early intervention, community-based treatment, and collaborative care.
The measure will next be considered on the Senate Floor.