February 2026 Director’s Newsletter

Senate Bill 43 Launched in San Mateo County 

Senate Bill 43 makes significant changes to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act – a law governing involuntary detention, treatment and conservatorship of people with behavioral health conditions. In the first change to California’s conservatorship laws in more than 50 years, SB 43 expands the definition of those eligible for conservatorship to include individuals who are unable to take care of personal safety or medical needs due to severe substance use disorder or serious mental health issues. Individuals meeting new criteria can be placed on involuntary holds of 72-hours or longer and can also potentially be placed on conservatorship for multiple years. As of January 1, 2026, all California counties have been required to implement this law.  

BHRS held the first in a series of community learning/Q&A sessions on January 8. Additional sessions will be held over the coming months.  

Click here for more information about SB 43 in San Mateo County, including training resources. 

New Law Expands CARE Court Eligibility 

As of January 1, Senate Bill 27 expands who is eligible for the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court program to include individuals with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features. Under the original law, only people diagnosed with schizophrenia and other limited psychotic disorders qualified for the program. The bill also allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to sign mental health declarations, thereby increasing provider capacity. 

Click here for more information about CARE Count in San Mateo.