Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Strengthen Behavioral Health Care in California

The legislation is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to care, accountability, and long-term outcomes.Photo byNik Shuliahin 💛💙onUnsplash

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a comprehensive package of bills aimed at improving California’s behavioral health care system, particularly for individuals facing severe mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The legislation is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to care, accountability, and long-term outcomes for the most vulnerable populations.

“Tackling the mental health and substance use disorder crises facing our nation and state is one of the most important goals of my administration,” said Governor Newsom. “We are acting urgently to get people life-saving treatment and supportive housing through innovative solutions like CARE Court and conservatorship reform.”

Featured Legislation

SB 42 – Authored by Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), this bill streamlines the implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, which connects individuals with untreated psychosis to essential treatment and housing. SB 42 clarifies the petition process and enhances communication between families, health providers, and courts to support long-term stabilization.

“SB 42 honors the commitment to make CARE Court successful by making critical adjustments that will further help families and participants,” said Senator Umberg.

SB 1238 – Introduced by Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), this bill expands the types of facilities available to treat individuals with severe substance use disorders and mental health issues, allowing them to receive care in mental health rehabilitation centers and psychiatric health facilities.

“SB 1238 broadens treatment options for those suffering from severe substance use disorders and mental health conditions,” said Senator Eggman. “Governor Newsom’s vision is transforming how we deliver behavioral health services in California.”

SB 1400 – Authored by Senator Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), this bill increases transparency and accountability in the CARE Act by requiring annual reporting from counties and courts. It also requires courts handling Misdemeanor Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) cases to first determine eligibility for mental health treatment before dismissing charges.

“This law prevents severely mentally ill individuals from being cycled between jail and the streets without receiving the necessary care,” said Senator Stern.

AB 2376 – Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) introduced this bill to increase the number of hospital beds available for addiction treatment by providing facilities with more flexibility in managing treatment slots for substance use disorder care.

“As a physician and addiction specialist, I know that expanding access to treatment is essential to addressing the addiction crisis,” said Assemblymember Bains.