California bill would let nonviolent felons enter rehab instead of prison

California lawmakers are weighing Assembly Bill 1231, the Safer Communities Through Opportunities Act, which would let people convicted of nonviolent felonies serve sentences in rehabilitation programs instead of prison. Supporters, including bill author Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, say it would provide treatment and job training that reduce repeat offenses. Critics, such as Sacramento County DA Thien Ho, warn it could let offenders avoid accountability and point to past cases where diversion failed. The bill still needs approval from the Assembly and Senate before reaching Governor Newsom.