Dear Neighbor,

I'm pleased to share that my bill, AB 1897, has advanced to the Senate Floor. This bill was inspired by the case of a repeat offender in San Francisco with a serious mental health disorder and a history of groping, stalking, and harassing women. Despite significant concerns about public safety, conflicting expert evaluations led to his release, and he was later arrested again after allegedly continuing similar behavior.

AB 1897 takes a common-sense approach to preventing situations like this. It requires mental health evaluators to use a proven, evidence-based assessment tool when determining whether someone with a serious mental health disorder continues to pose a danger to others before being released. Evaluators can still use their professional judgment and any additional assessments they believe are necessary.

When decisions involve both public safety and an individual's liberty, we need the most reliable information possible. AB 1897 will help create more consistent evaluations, better protect our communities, and ensure people with serious mental health needs receive appropriate treatment and supervision when necessary.

Sincerely,

Matt Haney
Assemblymember, 17th District