AB 850: Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.

Existing law, the Mental Health Services Act, an initiative measure enacted by the voters as Proposition 63 at the November 2, 2004, statewide general election, establishes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, and requires the commission to consist of 16 voting members, including, among others, two persons with a severe mental illness and a mental health professional. The act may be amended by the Legislature by a ²/₃ vote of both houses and only so long as the amendment is consistent with and furthers the intent of the act. The Legislature may clarify procedures and terms of the act by majority vote.

This bill would require the Governor to appoint an additional member to the commission who has knowledge and experience in reducing mental health disparities, especially for racial and ethnic communities. The bill would state the finding and declaration of the Legislature that this change is consistent with and furthers the intent of the act.

This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 5845 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by AB 1688 to be operative only if this bill and AB 1688 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.