CA SB35

CARE Act proceedings may be conducted by superior court judges or court-appointed commissioners, with no filing fees charged by public officers for any services related to CARE petitions.

Respondents have the right to an interpreter in all proceedings and may petition the court to seal their records, with a presumption in favor of sealing if a petition is filed.

County behavioral health agencies must provide health information necessary to support court findings and may access health records from providers and covered entities; all parties are exempt from civil or criminal liability for authorized disclosures.

Original petitioners who are family members or residents gain enhanced rights including the right to be present and make statements at initial hearings, with courts authorized to assign ongoing participation rights.

Hearings to determine CARE eligibility for misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial must occur within 14 court days of petition filing, with automatic release on own recognizance if delayed beyond that timeframe.