Newsom’s mental health funding proposal comes at California counties’ expense

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s newest policy thrust to reduce homelessness by improving mental health services — including a proposed $4.5 billion bond to add psychiatric beds — is likely to get some pushback from county governments.

An to propose significant changes to the Mental Health Services Act. The legislation seeks to codify Newsom’s plan to modernize the state’s behavioral health system and create more behavioral housing.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, proposed a $4.68 billion Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2023 to finance the construction of community mental health facilities. The bonds would be general obligations of the state, outside the Mental Health Services Act, according to a committee staff analysis of Assembly Bill 531.

If the bills get over the line in the remaining month of the 2023 session, and the governor signs the legislation, they would go before voters in March 2024.