The Brief
- A new bill is proposed in San Francisco that would allow courts to authorize involuntary medication for those with serious mental illness, even if they don’t want help.
- Assemblymember Catherie Stefani authored the bill and Mayor Daniel Lurie is sponsoring it.
- Current law allows courts to order someone to undergo assisted outpatient treatment, but cannot force them to take medication.
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco leaders are working on a new bill they say would allow the treatment of those battling mental illness even if they don’t want the help. The bill would allow the courts to authorize involuntary medication for some people with serious mental health conditions.
Involuntary treatment
What we know:
City and state leaders are working to thread the needle, respecting the rights of those who are mentally ill, but also making sure they get the medication they need.
The most recent homeless count in San Francisco found just over half report facing mental illness.…