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A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape and a field of red dollar symbols are collaged to the left of the building.

Proposition 1

Should California issue bonds and change spending rules in order to build more housing for residents with behavioral health challenges? 

Proposition 1

Bond and mental health reforms. Passes with majority vote.

Yes50.1%
3,624,998 votes
No49.8%
3,596,974 votes
Race called at 5:11 PM PT on March 20, 2024
99% of votes countedAssociated Press
This percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

Proposition 1 would issue $6.38 billion in bonds to build supportive housing and residential treatment facilities. It would also amend the Mental Health Services Act (a 1% tax on personal income over $1 million), allowing funds to also be used to help residents with substance abuse, not just those with mental illness. And it would set aside 30% of revenue generated from that tax to help house people — particularly veterans — with behavioral health conditions. 

Yes Argument

California should focus its resources on supporting residents who have severe mental health and substance abuse issues and keep them from living on the streets. Proposition 1 will provide a reliable funding source to build treatment facilities and it will dedicate over $1 billion toward supportive housing for veterans with behavioral health challenges. The current rules of the Mental Health Services Act are too restrictive and should be changed to help people struggling with serious substance abuse issues.

No Argument

Proposition 1 pulls revenue from the Mental Health Services Act in too many new directions. If you are increasing the amount of MHSA money going toward housing and residents with substance abuse issues, there will be less left for existing mental health services. Additionally, the bond money can be used to build locked facilities, which are a threat to civil liberties and will take California back to the era of involuntary treatment for severe mental illness. 

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

In Support

  • Gavin Newsom, governor, California
  • California Hospital Association 
  • California Medical Association  
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness California

In Opposition

  • Disability Rights California
  • Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association 
  • League of Women Voters of California 
  • Mental Health America of California