While supporters say mental health diversions help certain defendants get needed mental health treatment, lawmakers in both parties have blasted the Scrivner decision and the legislative changes that led to it. A judge granted him a mental health diversion in 2024, allowing him to live with his parents while receiving treatment. “But we need to have both public safety and treatment.”In Kern County, Scrivner has numerous political connections in the Republican Party and beyond. Several lawmakers have introduced bills to modify the mental health diversion law. “You can have a mental health diversion granted, but what is the justice system doing to hold people accountable?” she said.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 08, 2026 17:01 UTC