June 3rd, 2025
The Honorable Caroline Menjivar
Senate Health Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3310
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: MHAC Support for Assembly Bill 348 (Krell)
Dear Chair Menjivar,
Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 348 (Krell), legislation that defines presumptive eligibility for full-service partnerships (FSPs) to include individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness, transitioning to the community after six months or more in a secured treatment facility, has been detained five or more times pursuant to Section 5150 over the last five years, or transitioning to the community after six months or more in the state prison or county jail.
MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues. The people and communities we aim to serve include those of all ages; sexual orientation, gender identity or expression; language, racial and ethnic backgrounds, national origin, and immigration status; spirituality and religious affiliations; or socioeconomic status. FSPs align with this mission by offering flexible, voluntary services with a “whatever it takes” approach to support individuals living with an SMI.
FSPs offer wraparound, whole-person care that helps reduce homelessness, improve mental health outcomes, lower emergency room visits, reduce justice involvement, and increase community integration. By establishing presumptive eligibility, AB 348 (Krell) removes unnecessary barriers to care and ensures timely access to vital services. This bill is especially applicable to individuals with an SMI who need step-down levels of care after leaving locked institutional treatment facilities, incarceration, or while experiencing homelessness. It also ensures eligibility even when the primary diagnosis is a substance use disorder with a co-occurring serious mental illness.
Each eligibility criteria represents a significant life event for someone living with an SMI. Being properly supported with an FSP can mark a significant turning point in one’s recovery journey. It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 348 (Krell) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.
In Community,
Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO
