California's Landmark Mental Health Law Amended, Overhaul Plan Heading to Voters

California lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 43, a significant overhaul of the state's 1967 behavioral health law, aimed at addressing the mental illness crisis exacerbated by homelessness and drug abuse. The bill expands the criteria for the detention, treatment, and conservatorship of individuals with severe mental illness. It is one of three bills passed by the Legislature to transform the behavioral health landscape in California, with bipartisan support. Critics argue that the bill could undermine civil liberties, while supporters believe it provides counties with a necessary tool to combat the epidemic of mental illness. The bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.