Governor Newsom Signs Bill Allowing Mental Health Professionals, Instead of Law Enforcement, to Respond to Mental Illness-Related Calls

(SACRAMENTO, Calif) – “Today, Governor Newsom signed my community policing bill, AB 1443, which will provide a much needed framework to allow members of community mobile crisis teams – instead of law enforcement - to respond to mental illness related calls.

In 2020, the Sacramento Police Department received about 18,000 mental illness and 5150-related calls of service. Despite the availability of municipal staff who are qualified and trained to respond to mental illness-related calls where a police presence is not warranted, under current law, these professionals need prior approval by the County before they are able to respond. AB 1443 will empower local governments to utilize health professionals, who have experience in mental health-related issues, to provide the proper care and service to assist individuals with mental health needs.

Thank you to the strong coalition of advocates and organizations who supported this bill and helped get this bill to the Governor’s desk.”

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Kevin McCarty represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which include the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento and unincorporated Sacramento County. McCarty serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance.