SB 43 – Changes to the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act – Grave Disability
Senate Bill 43 (SB 43) significantly broadens involuntary treatment criteria under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act. This revision to the law expands the State’s involuntary detention and conservatorship laws. Prior to the implementation of SB 43 in Alameda County,
Grave Disability Criteria for Adults defined grave disability as “A condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health disorder, is unable to provide for his or her basic personal needs for food, clothing, or shelter.” As of January 1, 2026 (SB 43): the definition of Grave Disability was expanded to refer to “A condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health disorder, a severe substance use disorder, or a co-occurring mental health disorder and a severe substance use disorder, is unable to provide for their basic personal needs for food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, or necessary medical care.”
Information Provided by: California Legislative Information | California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CARE ACT – The Community Assistance and Recovery and Empowerment Act
The Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment Act (CARE) Court is a new civil court process that provides support services to people with certain untreated schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders who meet specific criteria in order to prevent institutionalization and ensure appropriate care.
Information Provided by: CARE Act FAQs | Superior Court of California | County of Alameda
PROP 35 – Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services
Proposition 35 would require the state to spend the money from a tax on health care plans on Medi-Cal, the public insurance program for low-income Californians and people with disabilities. The revenue would go to primary and specialty care, emergency services, family planning, mental health and prescription drugs. It would also prevent legislators from using the tax revenue to replace existing state Medi-Cal spending. Over the next four years, it is projected to generate upwards of $35 billion.
Information Provided by: California Prop 35: Managed Health Care Tax | California Legislative Analyst’s Office
PROP 36 – The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, & Theft Reduction Act
Prop 36 would impose stricter punishments on certain crimes by reclassifying them as a harsher offense. For example, the initiative would add fentanyl, one of America’s deadliest drugs on the market, to a list of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Prop 36 would also increase penalties for theft crimes. Crimes of theft worth under $950 would be punishable as felony crimes for individuals “who have two or more prior theft-related convictions.” Depending on their criminal history, those offenders could be sentenced to up to three years in jail or prison.
Information Provided by: What is Prop 36? A look into ‘The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act’ | KRON4 | California Department of Justice Division of Law Enforcement | California Legislative Analyst’s Office
Prop 1 – BHSA – Behavioral Health Services Act Bonds for Mental Health Treatment Facilities
On March 5, 2024, California voters will vote on Prop. 1, a two-part measure that would 1) amend California’s Mental Health Services Act and 2) create a $6.38 billion general obligation bond. The bond would fund:
- Behavioral health treatment and residential facilities,
- Supportive housing for veterans and individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness with behavioral health challenges
Information Provide by: Understanding Proposition 1 – California Budget and Policy Center | California Department of Health Care Services | California Secretary of State – Shirley N Weber, Ph.D | California Legislative Analyst’s Office | The Behavioral Health Services Act