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Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders have announced a $4.68 billion bond and transformation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) for the March 2024 ballot.
The bills, Senate Bill 326 (Eggman, D-Stockton) and Assembly Bill 531 (Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks), focus on five solutions to transform California’s behavioral health system:
- Reforming the MHSA, which brings in over $3 billion per year, to allow funding for substance use disorder treatment
- Building a workforce that reflects the state’s diversity
- Focusing on outcomes, accountability, and equity
- Supporting housing and treatment in community-based settings
- Assisting with housing for veterans experiencing behavioral health challenges
The bill package aims to build 10,000 new beds within community treatment facilities to support Californians with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. The outcome of these investments could reduce hospital emergency department visits, improve access to behavioral health care, support housing needs, and create additional jobs within California. CHA will be supporting these historic proposals.
