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CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2648 Introduced by Assembly Member Johnson February 20, 2026 An act to amend Section 17.2 of the Penal Code, relating to crimes. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST 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. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 17.2 of the Penal Code is amended to read: 17.2. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the disposition of any a criminal case use the least restrictive means available. (b) The court presiding over a criminal matter shall consider alternatives to incarceration, including, without limitation, collaborative justice court programs, diversion, restorative justice, and probation. (c) The court shall have the discretion to determine the appropriate sentence according to relevant statutes and the sentencing rules of the Judicial Council.