CA AB2985

Court must provide written mental health awareness information to jurors after verdict in criminal cases alleging violent felonies, before discharging the jury.

Information distributed to discharged alternate jurors in violent felony cases must address stress relief and symptoms from trauma exposure.

Court must provide mental health information to jurors and alternates in violent felony cases where evidence was presented but no verdict was rendered, after they are no longer responsible for deliberations.

Court may optionally distribute this mental health information to jurors in criminal proceedings alleging non-violent felonies.

Judicial Council must develop the written educational materials covering signs and symptoms of distress, healthy coping mechanisms, and resources for trauma-related help.