Sens. Eggman and Niello: Reforming Lanterman-Petris-Short

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: The landmark Lanterman-Petris-Short Act of 1967 was intended to to “end the inappropriate, indefinite, and involuntary commitment of persons with mental health disorders” by setting strict guidelines for handling the involuntary civil commitment of individuals to mental health institutions. While lauded by civil rights advocates, critics contend the law is actually an impediment to care for those suffering from severe mental illnesses, often leading to them being homeless or incarcerated.

On this episode of the Capitol Weekly podcast, Rich Ehisen and Dan Morain welcome Sens. Susan Talamantes Eggman and Roger Niello, two of the three primary sponsors on SB 43, a bill that would add new criteria to the definition of what constitutes someone being considered “gravely disabled,” the standard by which a person can be involuntarily held for treatment.

2:28 What is SB 43?

3:45 Why Niello is co-sponsoring

7:10 A return to institutions?

8:50 Jails and mental health

10:30 Are we spending state mental dollars wisely?

12:30 SB 43’s potential impact

17:00 Local governments

25:00 personal connections

27:00 What’s different from last year’s failed bill?

29:40 Worst Week, Dianne Feinstein