BILL NUMBER:  SB 994
  VETOED	DATE: 09/28/1999




Los Angeles, CA

September 28, 1999

To the Members of the Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill No. 994 without my signature.

The purpose of the Civil Addict Program is treatment.  Convicted
felons that are eligible for this program are able to receive
treatment for their substance addictions rather than being sentenced
to state prison.

In 1995, the California Supreme Court ruled in the Jones Decision
that civil addicts were not entitled to good time and participation
credits.  This decision is consistent with the purpose of the Civil
Addict Program, which was established to provide treatment,
rehabilitation and control of narcotic addicts or individuals that
are in imminent danger of becoming addicted.

Unfortunately, the provision of good behavior and participation
credits to this population would run counter to the treatment purpose
of the Civil Addict Program.  Existing law already limits the amount
of time a person can participate in this treatment program under the
jurisdiction of the Narcotic Addict Evaluation Authority.  This bill
would further restrict the amount of this time that could be spent
in inpatient treatment versus outpatient treatment.

I do not support placing these restrictions upon each person's
treatment needs.  At its extreme, it would prohibit the provision of
inpatient treatment to a civil addict that relapsed during outpatient
treatment.  Further, the ultimate impact of this measure could
potentially diminish public safety by releasing individuals who may
not have received the treatment necessary to address their substance
abuse problem.

Sincerely,





GRAY DAVIS