CA SB580

Requires courts to order defendants granted probation for animal cruelty convictions to undergo a mental health evaluation by a court-chosen evaluator.

Makes mandatory counseling a requirement only if the mental health professional deems it necessary after evaluation, with the defendant responsible for payment costs.

Allows courts to establish a sliding fee schedule based on the defendant's ability to pay, with indigent defendants able to negotiate deferred payments.

Makes mental health evaluation records and treatment progress reports confidential and prohibits their use in civil proceedings without the defendant's consent.

Applies to convictions under Penal Code Sections 286.5, 596, 597, 597.1, 597f, and 600 related to animal abuse and cruelty offenses.