The Second Chance Program.

Senator McGuire's proposal to modify California's recidivism reduction grant program adds two funding sources to the list of acceptable options for competitive grant proposals: the Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system and the Behavioral Health Services Act.

The bill maintains the existing framework requiring the Board of State and Community Corrections to administer grants focused on community-based solutions for reducing recidivism. Under current law, proposals must serve individuals with criminal justice involvement and histories of mental health or substance use disorders. Public agencies must lead applications, which must offer mental health services, substance use treatment, or misdemeanor diversion programs.

An executive steering committee, comprising state and local government representatives, treatment providers, and formerly incarcerated individuals, continues to evaluate proposals based on established criteria. These include advancing restorative justice principles, leveraging external funding sources, providing comprehensive services, and promoting interagency collaboration. The committee also considers geographic diversity and administrative cost limits while prohibiting the use of funds to replace existing program support.