State, Local Governments Preparing to Take First Steps After Proposition 1’s Passage

‘Today marks a day of hope for thousands of Californians who are struggling with mental illness,’ said one state senator.

A man stands in front of a homeless encampment in Los Angeles on Sept. 23, 2019. Supporters of Prop. 1 see it as a way to address the root cause of homelessness. Mario Tama/Getty Images

After voters narrowly approved a $6.8 billion bond package considered a “signature priority” by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to fund mental health treatment, the state and some cities are preparing to implement the new law.

“This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve,” Mr. Newsom said in a March 21 press release after the secretary of state announced the proposition’s passage. “Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before.”