CA SB1253

Authorizes courts to order restrained parties in domestic violence cases to participate in a Department of Public Health-approved mental health recovery program, effective July 1, 2021.

Requires restrained parties to register within 30 days (or court-ordered deadline), sign consent forms allowing program to share enrollment and attendance records with the court and protected party, and provide program contact information to the court.

Establishes two goals for mental health recovery programs: stopping domestic violence and improving the batterer's mental health through lectures, classes, group discussions, and counseling.

Requires mental health recovery programs to implement a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay, with provisions for deferred payment and fee waivers for indigent defendants.

Directs the Judicial Council to revise or create necessary forms by July 1, 2021, and requires courts to develop referral lists for domestic violence programs in consultation with local shelters.