Board approves ordinance authorizing housing conservatorships for people with serious mental illness, SUDs

The Board of Supervisors voted 10–1 on Tuesday to approve an ordinance amending the health code to authorize procedures for appointment of a conservator for a person with serious mental illness and substance use disorder and to designate the city attorney to institute judicial proceedings to establish housing conservatorships.

The ordinance also amends the administrative code to create a housing conservatorship working group to evaluate the city’s implementation of the housing conservatorship program. President Yee called the roll; the final tally was 10 ayes and one no with Supervisor Sheila Walton recorded in dissent.

Why it matters: The ordinance provides a legal pathway for the city to pursue court-ordered conservatorships tied to housing for people with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Supporters said the change adds a tool for situations where individuals lack capacity and present acute risks; opponents raised concerns about civil liberties and the scope of conservatorship.

Details: The item was referred from the rules committee without recommendation and was debated in the chamber; the ordinance also required affirmation of CEQA findings. The measure designates the city attorney as the party authorized to file petitions in court to establish a housing conservatorship and sets up a working group to evaluate implementation.

Ending: With final passage by the board, departments will proceed to set up the working group and coordinate next steps for any potential petitions to court under the new authority.