Advocates Caught Off Guard By Last-Minute Revisions To $6 Billion CA Mental Health Bond

CA Mental Health Bond
Spread the love

In an unexpected turn of events, last-minute alterations to one of Governor Gavin Newsom’s prominent mental health initiatives have sent shockwaves through advocacy groups for disabled Californians. These modifications in the CA mental health bond is being labeled a “bait and switch” tactic by critics, raising concerns that they could pave the way for involuntary institutionalization of individuals with mental health illnesses.

At the heart of the controversy is a more than $6 billion bond proposal intended to fund the construction of treatment facilities and supportive housing for individuals grappling with mental illness or addiction disorders.

This proposal is closely tied to another initiative, likely headed for the ballot, aimed at amending California’s 20-year-old Mental Health Services Act to compel local governments to allocate more resources towards housing solutions for homeless individuals with mental health issues.

For much of the year, the mental health bond proposal remained uncontroversial. However, in the final week of the legislative session, amendments to the bill that would place it on the ballot took a startling turn.

Why CA Mental Health Bond Was So Controversial?

These last-minute changes removed language that explicitly prohibited the use of bond funds for involuntary confinements. Instead, the replacement language closely resembled legislation from 2021, which established the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, a $2.2 billion initiative that has been used to finance locked facilities like acute psychiatric hospitals.

In response to these alterations, the Senate voted 35-2 to include the bond on the ballot, while assemblymembers concurred in a 63-7 vote. Consequently, the bond will be presented to voters on the March primary election ballot.

Advocates for disabled Californians expressed profound dismay and alarm over the changes. Samuel Jain, a senior attorney with Disability Rights California, stated, “We are horrified. The administration at the last possible moment… put in language that completely changes the intent of this bill.”

The crux of the issue lies in the removal of language that explicitly prohibited the use of bond funds for involuntary confinements.

This deletion has raised concerns that the funds could potentially be diverted to support locked facilities, such as acute psychiatric hospitals, which has left many advocates and disability rights groups deeply troubled.

The original intent of the bond proposal was to address the urgent need for mental health treatment facilities and supportive housing, with a focus on assisting individuals with mental illness and addiction disorders.

However, the sudden change in wording has left advocates worried that the bond’s funds may now be utilized for purposes that go against the spirit of the initiative, potentially leading to the involuntary institutionalization of those in need.

This development has ignited a fierce debate within the state. Proponents argue that the alterations allow for a more comprehensive approach to mental health care, including the provision of essential services within locked facilities when necessary.

They assert that these changes offer a more nuanced response to the complex needs of individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.

On the other hand, critics, including disability rights organizations and advocacy groups, contend that the changes fundamentally alter the bond’s original intent. They express concerns that the removal of safeguards against involuntary confinement may infringe on the rights and autonomy of individuals with mental health illnesses.

Moreover, they emphasize that such changes were made in the eleventh hour, catching many stakeholders off guard and limiting the opportunity for a thorough public discussion.

As California prepares for the upcoming primary election in March, the fate of this controversial mental health bond remains uncertain.

Advocates will continue to engage in a vigorous debate about the potential implications of the alterations and whether they align with the state’s broader goals of providing equitable and effective mental health care while safeguarding the rights of those with mental health illnesses.

The outcome of this debate will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the future of mental health services in the state of California.



Spread the love
  • ADHD Linked To Dementia Across Generations, New Study Claims

    Researchers found that parents and grandparents of individuals with ADHD…

  • Sibling Fights Linked To Poor Mental Health In Children And Adolescents, Says New Study

    Researchers at University of New Hampshire found that sibling aggression…

  • Teens Playing School Sports Have Better Mental Health: Study

    New research found adolescents playing team sports in grades 8…

  • Bird Watching Near Home Improves Mental Health, New Study Finds

    New study found that being able to see more birds,…

  • Mental Health Services For Teenagers Lower Depression In Adolescence: Study

    Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that teenagers with…

  • Sunshine Boosts Mental Health More Than Any Other Weather Variable: Study

    The time between sunrise and sunset matters most when it…

  • Your Driving Habits Can Reveal Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s, Scientists Say

    Studies have found that people with symptomatic Alzheimer disease (AD)…

  • Mental Health Effects By Traffic Police Harassment

    Mental Health Effects By Traffic Police Harassment

    Traffic police harassment is a very common occurrence that numerous…

  • Narcissism Changes Throughout Life, New Study Finds

    New research published in Psychology and Aging, found that narcissism…

  • Excessive Posting Of Selfies On Social Media Can Make You A Narcissist, Researchers Say

    Excessive Posting Of Selfies On Social Media Can Make You A Narcissist, Researchers Say

    Excessive use of social media, in particular, the posting of…

  • Not All Psychopaths Are Criminals – Some Are Successful Instead, New Study Finds

    People view all psychopaths as violent. The study provides insights…

  • PTSD Increases Ovarian Cancer Risk, Study Claims

    Researchers found that women who experienced six or more symptoms…

  • Scientists Find A Network Of Neurons That Influence Eating Behavior

    University of Arizona researchers have identified a network of neurons…

  • A Racing Heart Can Alter Your Decision-Making Ability, Scientists Find

    Body-state monitoring neurons can hijack the decision-making process, according to…

  • Seasonal Variation In Daylight Influences Brain Function, New Study Confirms

    We experience more negative emotions in winters than in summer.…

  • Distrust Of The Past Can Fuel Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Study Says

    Distrust of past experiences can lead to increased uncertainty, indecisiveness,…

  • Meditation Helps You Make Fewer Mistakes, Scientists Find In New Study

    Researchers from Michigan State University found that If you are…

  • Thinking Leisure Is A Waste Hampers Your Mental Health, Study Suggests

    If people start to believe that leisure is wasteful and…

  • Short Naps During Day Don’t Relieve Sleep Deprivation, Study Says

    Short naps don’t mitigate the potentially dangerous cognitive effects of…

  • Survivors Of Trauma Experience Persistent Grief Years Later, Study Finds

    New study finds that people who survive a trauma that…

  • Exposure To Antibiotics In Early Life Can Affect Brain Development

    Researchers at Rutgers University found exposure to antibiotics in early…

  • New Study Claims Only 10% Of Kids With ADHD Outgrow It As Adults

    Contrary to a popular notion, most children with attention deficit…

  • Scientists Find Histamine As A Potential Key Player In Depression

    New study finds that body inflammation and release of the…

  • Insomnia In Children Increases The Risk Of Mood, Anxiety Disorders In Adulthood, Study Claims

    Childhood insomnia symptoms that persist into adulthood are strong determinants…

  • Addiction To Sun Is In Your Genes, Research Says

    People who love basking in sun have genes involved in…

  • Scientists Confirm Dual Beneficial Effect Of Physical Activity In Depression

    New research reveals that physical activity not only reduces depressive…