Last week, Governor Newsom
announced the passage of Proposition 1, which makes
significant revisions to California’s existing mental health
system and authorizes a $6.4 billion bond to finance supportive
housing and behavioral health treatment settings. Although the
final election results will not be certified by the Secretary of
State until April 12, 2024, it is now clear that the measure has
enough
votes to become law.
In addition to authorizing new funding for behavioral health
treatment infrastructure and permanent supportive housing for
veterans and others experiencing or at risk of homelessness,
Proposition 1 renames the Mental Health Services Act to the
Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), broadens the eligible uses
of funds to include the provision of substance use disorder
treatment services, revises the funding categories to include a
prioritization for housing interventions for those with the most
severe needs, and establishes additional oversight and
accountability measures. Counties will work in partnership with
the Administration to develop recommendations to address the
revenue volatility of the BHSA and fully implement the changes
included in Proposition 1, ensuring the best interests of
California’s most vulnerable populations are upheld.
CSAC will host a workshop on Proposition 1 on April 17
in Sacramento during the CSAC
Legislative Conference where we will be joined by
representatives from the Administration working on
implementation. CSAC will continue to keep counties updated as we
begin to talk through implementation with DHCS, CalHHS, and HCD
staff.
