Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/lauras-law/)
The bill, proposed by state Sen. John Moorlach, would make it clear that local police and hospitals could use money from state Proposition 63 for emergency treatment of adults who are in danger of seriously harming themselves or others.
OC is state’s largest county to adopt court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment. Hearing marked by outpouring of emotional testimony.
A cautious Board of Supervisors will decide whether Orange will be the first large California county to approve Laura’s Law.
Supervisor says OC might become the first large California county to adopt legislation that allows courts to order treatment for mentally ill adults.
There were positive steps in 2013, but the county was still plagued by a lack of cohesiveness among those responsible for getting people off the street.
The 2013 count estimates about 12,700 of Orange County’s 3 million residents are homeless at some time during the year.
Supervisor John Moorlach is among those urging Gov. Jerry Brown to sign a bill allowing state money to be used in implementing the mental health law.
The Senate Health Committee approved two bills aimed at making it easier for counties to implement the law dealing with the treatment of mentally ill people.
The law, a big issue in the aftermath of the Kelly Thomas beating, would allow court-supervised outpatient treatment of mentally ill adults.
The report recommends increasing city services and pushing the county to adopt laws that will better help homeless adults who are mentally ill.