Second Chance Program.

Senator Umberg's proposal to expand California's Second Chance Program would broaden grant funding eligibility to include drug courts and collaborative court programs while maintaining the program's focus on mental health treatment and substance use services for justice-involved individuals.

The legislation modifies the grant program's structure to require public agencies to serve as lead applicants and establishes an executive steering committee comprising state and local government representatives, treatment providers, and formerly incarcerated individuals. This committee would develop proposal guidelines prioritizing restorative justice principles, leveraging of existing funding sources, and interagency collaboration. The bill outlines specific services for prioritization, including mental health care, substance use treatment, housing assistance, and supportive services such as job training and case management.

Under the amended framework, proposals must demonstrate plans to coordinate with existing programs and funding streams, including Drug Medi-Cal, Mental Health Services Act resources, and federal housing assistance. The legislation maintains the program's emphasis on serving individuals with less serious offenses while adding consideration for juvenile services and geographic diversity in funding distribution. Public agencies would need to partner with other government entities or nonprofit organizations to qualify for grants, with restrictions on using funds to replace existing program budgets.