California Gov. Gavin Newsom has finally signed legislation cracking down on the “Epstein loophole” that critics said allowed convicted child abusers and other serious offenders to avoid prison through the state’s mental health diversion program.
As part of a broader package of legislation and budget measures signed last week, Newsom narrowed the state’s law, which has been in effect since 2018.
Under the original law, judges were generally required to grant diversion to eligible defendants if a qualifying mental illness significantly contributed to the crime and the defendant was not deemed an unreasonable risk to public safety.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom holding a Starbucks cup, speaking as he arrives for the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has finally signed legislation cracking down on the “Epstein loophole.”
Those accepted into diversion programs could avoid jail time by completing court-approved mental health treatment. Under the new law, diversion is no longer presumed for eligible defendants.
Instead, judges now have full discretion to determine …