Today in Los Angeles, the Governor signed
AB 531 (Irwin) and
SB 326 (Eggman), his two-bill legislative package proposing
to update the state’s behavioral health system and create more
supportive housing and behavioral health treatment resources.
Specified sections of AB 531 and SB 326 will be submitted to the
voters on the ballot as a single measure to be placed
first on the March 5, 2024, statewide primary
election ballot and will be designated as “Proposition 1.”
AB 531, the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024,
authorizes $6.38 billion in general obligation bonds to finance
the conversion, rehabilitation, and construction of supportive
housing and behavioral health housing and treatment settings. Of
the total, $1.5 billion in grants is specifically called out to
be awarded to counties, cities, and tribal entities, and local
jurisdictions are not precluded from applying for additional
funds.
SB 326 amends the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) which was
approved by the voters as Proposition 63 in 2004, and makes other
statutory changes to update the state’s behavioral health system.
Among its provisions, SB 326 renames the MHSA 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, including the chronically homeless, and establishes
additional oversight and accountability measures.
