Assemblymember Zbur Introduces Bill to Modernize Crime Prevention Strategies

AB 2217 modernizes crime prevention strategies by expanding diversion programs to connect individuals to housing, mental health care, and substance use treatment instead of jail for low-level offenses.

• Vienna Montague
• (916) 319-2051
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) today introduced AB 2217 to modernize crime prevention strategies by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and expanding access to services as an alternative to jail time. Sponsored by Drug Policy Alliance and Californians for Safety and Justice, this legislation builds on the successful Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program by expanding the eligibility criteria and allowing law enforcement officers to refer individuals suspected of committing certain low-level, non-violent offenses to case managers or immediate crisis services in lieu of arrest.

The LEAD model enables officers, at their discretion, to divert individuals whose underlying needs-such as homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders-are more appropriately addressed through supportive services rather than incarceration. Individuals referred through the program are connected with case managers who can facilitate access to housing, health care, mental health treatment, and substance use services.

"Too often, Californians struggling with poverty, mental health challenges, or substance use are cycled through our criminal justice system for low-level offenses that stem from unmet needs-not criminal intent," said Assemblymember Zbur. "AB 2217 builds on a proven, evidence-based, collaborative model that strengthens community trust, reduces repeat contact with the justice system, and improves public safety by getting people the help they actually need."

AB 2217 expands eligibility criteria for the program to include additional low-level offenses commonly associated with extreme poverty, behavioral health needs, or substance use disorders, including shoplifting, misdemeanor trespassing, and other violations identified by local jurisdictions. The bill also renames the program "Alternatives to Arrest" to better reflect its focus on prevention, stabilization, and service-based intervention.

"We've seen very positive outcomes from projects like these that prioritize health and other unmet needs, while reducing harmful arrests." said Grey Gardner, California state director for the Drug Policy Alliance. "Pre-arrest navigation programs like those to be expanded by this legislation offer impactful case management for people at risk of being drawn into the legal system. Rather than leaning on arrests as a response to homelessness, substance use and poverty, we should continue investing in these community partnerships that prioritize connections to services and low-barrier housing."

"Alternatives to arrest programs are proven to reduce recidivism and make our communities safer, and we're grateful to Asm. Zbur for championing legislation that will help ensure we successfully address the root causes of crime," said Tinisch Hollins, executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice, the state's leading public safety advocacy organization. "Keeping our neighborhoods safe is a shared responsibility that cannot fall on law enforcement alone. Prioritizing programs that help make sure people get the help they need while interrupting cycles of crime and harm is the pathway to achieving the lasting safety we all deserve."

This program has demonstrated success in reducing recidivism, improving health outcomes, and enabling law enforcement agencies to prioritize resources toward addressing serious and violent crime. This bill will be heard in policy committee in the coming weeks.

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Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.