The Behavioral Health Services Act

The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) passed as Proposition 1 by the California voters on March 5, 2024. BHSA includes two components: Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act (AB 531) and the Behavioral Health Services Act (SB 326). BHSA signifies a philosophical shift from prevention, intervention, and treatment across the mental health spectrum to focus on the most severely mental ill individuals. It allows for the inclusion of eligible programs for those with substance use conditions and places significant importance on housing and homelessness. There is a statewide commitment to increased accountability and transparency in how BHSA funds will be reported.

What BHSA Funds

The Mental Health Services Act funding components will change under the Behavioral Health Services Act.

Mental Health Services Act

Behavioral Health Services Act

Proposition 1: System Change

BHSA Funding Breakdown

Total BHSA revenue is distributed between county and state-wide allocations.

Proposition 1: Things We Know

30% Housing:

Interventions to include rental subsidies, operating subsidies, shared housing, family housing for eligible children and youth, and the non-federal share of certain transitional rent.
- Half of this amount (50%) is prioritized for housing interventions for the chronically homeless.
- Up to 25% may be used for capital development.

35% Full-Service Partnerships:

Comprehensive and intensive care for people at any age with the most complex needs (also known as the “whatever it takes” model).

35% Behavioral Health Services and Supports (BHSS):

Includes early intervention; outreach and engagement; workforce; education and training; capital facilities and technological needs; and innovative pilots and projects.
- A majority (51%) of this amount must be used for intervention in the early signs of mental illness or SUDs.
- A majority (51%) of early intervention services and supports must be for people 25 years of age and younger.