Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Senate Bill 326 (SB 326) and Assembly Bill 531 (AB 531), which would make changes to the state’s Mental Health Services Act and issue $6.4 billion in bonds, on Oct. 12. Voters will decide on the legislation as Proposition 1 on March 5, 2024.
In the press release, Gov. Newsom said, “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 support or care they need. This will prioritize getting people off the streets, out of tents and into treatment.”
Proposition 1 would rename the Mental Health Services Act, adopted by voters in 2004, to the Behavioral Health Services Act. The 2004 initiative enacted a 1% tax on income above $1 million and dedicated the revenue to counties to fund mental health services and programs. Proposition 1 would expand the purpose of the act to include substance use disorders.
