Legislation to Improve Access to Mental Health Care Passes Legislature, Goes to Governor

SB 989 ensures that people who need mental health treatment are referred to courts to receive services 

SACRAMENTO – The Legislature on Friday passed legislation by Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, designed to increase access to court-ordered mental health treatment for people who need it and sent it to the Governor to sign. 

In 2023, the state established special court proceedings through the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, known as CARE Court, to help people with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. The court provides them with a comprehensive CARE plan that relies on public aid systems to deliver medication, services and housing. 

SB 989 would improve access to CARE Court by authorizing first responders to request counties to review and file CARE Court petitions on their behalf, rather than requiring them to file directly with the court, which can be time-consuming and complicated. First responders often encounter people with serious mental health problems, but don’t have the time or resources to file petitions for them to enter CARE Court. 

“SB 989 helps provide the access to mental health treatment that is needed by many to stabilize their lives and quit living on the streets and frequenting emergency rooms and local clinics,” Sen. Blakespear said. “We need to ensure that everyone who is eligible for CARE Court is getting the opportunity to access it.”

CARE Court began in eight counties in 2023 and was fully implemented in all California counties by December 2024, but participation in CARE Court has lagged far below initial projections. According to CalMatters, only 3,817 CARE Court petitions had been filed in the state through the end of January, much lower than the 7,000-12,000 a year first expected. 

The legislation is sponsored by California Professional Firefighters (CPF) and supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

"SB 989 gives firefighters and other first responders the tools they need to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our communities are able to get the care they actually need to heal,” said Darrell Roberts, President of CPF. “By working with county health departments and established systems of care, this bill will reduce barriers to access for patients and ensure that firefighters can most effectively support those who need it most."

The Assembly passed the bill 73-0 on Tuesday and the Senate concurred on a 40-0 vote on Friday. 

Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.

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