In a groundbreaking move, Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a historic mental health transformation plan for California, offering citizens the opportunity to modernize the state’s mental health system to better meet the needs of its residents. The comprehensive proposal involves the signing of Senate Bill 326 (Eggman), which modernizes the Mental Health Services Act, and Assembly Bill 531 (Irwin), a $6.38 billion bond aimed at constructing new behavioral health housing and treatment facilities across the state. Collectively, these initiatives are known as Proposition 1, and Californians will have the opportunity to vote on them in the March 2024 ballot.
Significant Reforms Prioritize Vulnerable Californians
The proposed reforms are poised to re-direct existing funds to give priority to Californians facing the most acute mental health challenges, including those living in encampments or grappling with severe substance use disorders. The $6.38 billion bond will allocate funds for the construction of over 11,150 new behavioral health beds and housing units, along with 26,700 outpatient treatment slots. This increased capacity will address the critical needs of homeless Californians with severe behavioral health issues, children battling depression, and individuals with various mental health concerns. Recent polling by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) revealed that an overwhelming 87% of Californians believe the United States is currently facing a mental health crisis.
Governor Newsom’s Commitment to Addressing Systemic Challenges
Governor Newsom emphasized the urgency of addressing the longstanding challenges within California’s mental health system, remarking, “These reforms, and this new investment in behavioral health housing, will help California make good on promises made decades ago. We see the signs of our broken system every day – too many Californians suffering from mental health needs or substance use disorders and unable to get the support or care they need. This will prioritize getting people off the streets, out of tents, and into treatment.”
Extensive Stakeholder Engagement
The proposed transformation follows months of intensive stakeholder engagement, with contributions from various sectors, including individuals and families with personal experiences, healthcare professionals, youth organizations, veterans’ groups, schools, businesses, labor representatives, mental health advocates, first responders, and local authorities.
Senate Bill 326 Modernizes Mental Health Services Act
Senate Bill 326 represents a significant modernization of the Mental Health Services Act to better align with the contemporary behavioral health system and evolving service demands. These reforms broaden the spectrum of services to encompass treatment for individuals with substance use disorders, prioritize care for those grappling with the most severe mental illnesses, allocate ongoing resources for housing and workforce support, and continue investments in prevention, early intervention, and innovative pilot programs. The bill underscores the importance of real, tangible results and increased accountability to benefit all California families and communities.
Assembly Bill 531 Proposes a $6.38 Billion Bond
Assembly Bill 531 introduces a $6.38 billion general obligation bond designated for constructing 11,150 new treatment beds and supportive housing units, as well as outpatient capacities to serve tens of thousands of individuals annually. This investment is the most extensive expansion of California’s behavioral health treatment and residential facilities in the state’s history. The new facilities will offer dedicated housing for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and facing behavioral health challenges, with a specific focus on supporting veterans. This investment will provide individuals with behavioral health conditions a secure environment to stabilize, recover, and receive ongoing assistance. Furthermore, the bond includes a $1 billion set aside exclusively for veterans’ housing.
