Senate Bill No. 43 Behavioral Health (Strongly Opposed on September 28, 2023)   

Disability Rights California has strongly opposed Senate Bill 43 which will significantly expand the government’s power to lock up people with mental health disabilities and substance use disorders. SB 43 takes resources away from community-based services and housing to fund locked institutions, disproportionately impacts communities of color, and makes it harder to fight conservatorship. SB 43 does not address the real needs of Californians living with mental health and substance use disorders. The state legislature should invest in community-defined, evidence-based services such as affordable and accessible housing and Assertive Community Treatment. SB 43 expands the definition of “grave disability” in California Welfare & Institutions Code § 5008(h), making it much easier to involuntarily commit people to locked facilities for behavioral health reasons.