CA SB317

Repeals existing restoration to competency procedures for defendants charged with misdemeanors, replacing them with court authority to conduct competency inquiries and grant diversion, dismiss charges, or refer defendants to assisted outpatient treatment or conservatorship proceedings.

Authorizes courts to grant diversion for incompetent misdemeanor defendants for up to one year or the maximum term of imprisonment for the charged offense, whichever is shorter, with diversion hearings required within 30 days of incompetence finding.

Requires dismissal of criminal charges upon successful completion of diversion or if defendant is accepted into conservatorship proceedings or assisted outpatient treatment.

Extends conduct credits (4 days served for every 2 days in actual custody) to persons confined in state hospitals or mental health treatment facilities pending restoration to competency.

Applies conduct credit provisions to misdemeanor probation revocation matters by requiring dismissal of pending revocations for incompetent defendants on probation.