October 12th 2023.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 43 on October 10th, which expands the definition of “gravely ill” to include those without access to mental health or substance use treatments. Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman introduced the bill with the goal of helping to reduce the state's homelessness crisis. California has more than 170,000 people living without homes and makes up 30% of the total homeless population in the U.S.
Newsom believes that this legislation will ensure that no one is left behind. He stated, “We are working to ensure no one falls through the cracks and that people get the help they need and the respect they deserve.” Senator Eggman added that the law is an update to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, which was implemented in 1967 to end involuntary confinement. She said, “It has long been time to make some adjustments to the law to address the realities we are seeing today on our streets.”
The governor is continuing his efforts to reform the state’s mental health system. In March 2024, voters will decide on Newsom’s proposal, which would change the way counties pay for mental and behavioral health programs, and borrow over $6 billion to fund 10,000 new mental health treatment beds. Just this past year, Newsom signed a law that allows people with certain illnesses, such as schizophrenia, to set up a treatment plan with the help of a judge.
By signing Senate Bill 43, the governor is hoping to reduce the homeless population in California and to ensure that people receive the help they need. He is also setting an example for other states to follow by taking initiative and making the necessary changes to better the mental health system.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
