AB 1549 would let Sacramento County offer a backup counseling option

In California, people on probation for domestic violence cases can be ordered into a batterer’s program, or, if that is not available, another appropriate counseling program. AB 1549 would keep that basic setup and add Sacramento County to the short list of counties allowed to offer a separate alternative program, as long as it meets the state’s conditions.

A narrower lane for local counseling

The bill would extend the current county authority to July 1, 2030. Napa, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Yolo already have that option, so Sacramento would be joining an existing exception rather than creating a new statewide rule.