CA SB1221

Modifies the definition of "gravely disabled" under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act to require evaluation based on a person's ability to provide for basic needs outside of incarceration, preventing temporary jail access to food, shelter, and medical care from disqualifying someone from conservatorship

Requires that assessments of whether a mentally incompetent defendant poses a "substantial danger of physical harm" be based on their ability to remain nonviolent outside of incarceration, not merely on absence of violent incidents while in custody

Authorizes district attorneys to review all conservatorship documents, attend hearings, and represent public safety interests for individuals found mentally incompetent on felony charges involving death, great bodily harm, or serious physical threats

Grants district attorneys authority to challenge public conservator recommendations for abuse of discretion in contested hearings, with the district attorney bearing the burden of proof

Directs the State Department of State Hospitals to prioritize placement of conservatees who are mentally incompetent felony defendants over those who are gravely disabled due to inability to meet basic personal needs