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AB-2648 • 2026

Crimes: alternatives to incarceration.

Crimes: alternatives to incarceration.

Crime
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Johnson
Last action
2026-02-21
Official status
From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details about what aspect of the existing provision will be changed technically.

Crimes: Alternatives to Incarceration

AB-2648 makes a small technical change to existing laws about how courts can handle criminal cases.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes a technical, nonsubstantive change to an existing law that requires courts to consider alternatives to incarceration.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Courts that handle criminal cases

Terms To Know

collaborative justice court programs
Programs where courts work with community groups to help people who have broken the law.
diversion
A way for people accused of a crime to avoid going to trial if they agree to do something like counseling or community service instead.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill only makes a technical change and does not alter the existing requirements or intent of the law.
  • It is unclear exactly what aspect of the existing provision will be changed by this amendment.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-21 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

  2. 2026-02-20 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2648, as introduced, Johnson.
Crimes: alternatives to incarceration.
Existing law requires a court to consider alternatives to incarceration, including, without limitation, collaborative justice court programs, diversion, restorative justice, and probation. Existing law states that it is the intent of the Legislature that the disposition of any criminal case use the least restrictive means possible.
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to this provision.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF