2024 California Proposition 1

Proposition 1, titled Bonds for Mental Health Treatment Facilities, was a California ballot proposition and state bond measure that was voted on in the 2024 primary election on March 5. Passing with just 50.18 percent of the vote, the proposition will provide additional behavioral health services and issue up to $6.38 billion in bonds to fund housing for veterans and homeless individuals. It will also move about $140 million of annual existing tax revenue for mental health care and addiction care to the state from the counties.

Background
Since the enactment of a 2011 law, only state propositions placed on the ballot by the California State Legislature may appear on the primary election ballot. In addition, the California Constitution mandates that any measure that issues more than $300,000 in bonds must be approved by voters.

Governor Gavin Newsom first proposed the bond measure in March 2023 to help modernize the state's mental health system, as well as reform the California Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) that was originally passed by voters as Proposition 63 in 2004. State senator Susan Eggman then introduced the proposal in the state legislature, where it was then approved in September 2023.

Support
Supporters of the proposition argued that more mental health and housing initiatives were necessary in the state.

Opposition
Opponents of the proposition argued that the program was an unfunded mandate and that it could cut county mental health programs.

Results
The results were certified on April 12, 2024. The proposition passed with 50.18 percent "Yes" votes versus 49.82 percent "No" votes.