Senate Passes Wolk Bill Diverting Autistic Defendants

Law enforcement-backed measure goes to Governor for signature

"The problem with our current diversion program is that it does not fully or adequately capture all of the people who ought to be considered for diversion," said Assemblywoman Wolk. "A person with autism has impaired development of social interaction and communication, an impairment that should be taken into account by judges and prosecutors."

Diversion programs serve the purposes of the criminal justice system by allowing judges to apply appropriate responses to misdemeanor crimes.

"AB 1956 gives prosecutors and judges the tools necessary to provide more cost-efficient and more effective treatment and diversion options for developmentally disabled defendants," said Wolk.

AB 1956 is supported by the California District Attorneys Association, the California Public Defenders Association, and the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. The bill will next appear before the Governor for his signature.