SB 326 - The Behavioral Health Services Act Summary

• Renames and expands the Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63) to the Behavioral Health Services Act, extending coverage to include substance use disorder treatment services in addition to mental health services

• Allocates BHSA funds with 30% for housing interventions, 35% for full-service partnership programs, and 35% for behavioral health services and early intervention programs, with counties able to transfer up to 14% between categories with state approval

• Establishes new planning and accountability requirements including integrated county behavioral health plans every three years and annual outcome reporting to track progress on statewide metrics and reduce disparities

• Creates the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (replacing the Mental Health Services Oversight Commission) with expanded membership and authority to oversee implementation and provide technical assistance

• Requires voter approval at the March 5, 2024 statewide primary election and takes effect January 1, 2025 if approved; includes oversight mechanisms allowing the state to impose corrective action plans and monetary sanctions on non-compliant counties