CA SB46

Removes the requirement that defendants show "reasonable cause to believe" they will not abuse controlled substances in the future to be considered as having successfully completed drug treatment under Proposition 36.

Requires courts to determine a defendant's ability to pay for controlled substance education or treatment programs and allows development of sliding fee schedules; persons meeting certain financial criteria are exempt from costs.

Mandates that controlled substance education and treatment programs include specific content on how drugs affect the body and brain, physical dependence, drug overdose recognition, and dangers of drug use, delivered in culturally and linguistically appropriate formats.

Requires county drug program administrators to design approval and renewal processes for education and treatment programs in consultation with courts, probation departments, and treatment providers.

Requires courts to recommend in writing that defendants sentenced to prison for controlled substance offenses participate in approved education or treatment programs while imprisoned.