California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604 provides for each County to have a mental health board. The Administrative Code provided for 17 members of the Behavioral Health Commission, with each member of the Board of Supervisors appointing one commissioner and the remaining six appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Commission included consumers, family of consumers, a child advocate, two members from defined mental health professions, and other members representing the public interest with mental health system knowledge. At least nine seats were reserved for consumers or family of consumers, with a maximum three-year term for each seat and one-third of the seats expiring each year.

The amendment to the Administrative Code reduces the Behavioral Health Commission from 17 to 12 seats. All seats are to be appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and it will consist of consumers, family of consumers, a veteran or veteran advocate, mental health professionals, and public interest members with mental health knowledge. At least six seats are reserved for consumers or family of consumers, two for mental health professionals, and one for a veteran or veteran advocate. Staggered terms for all seats are updated with one-third expiring each successive year, and child advocate membership requirement is reinstated.

Reduction of total seats on the Behavioral Health Commission allows for a more streamlined structure and potentially more efficient governance. Having appointments made by the full Board of Supervisors rather than individual supervisors could lead to a more unified vision for the Commission. By including veteran advocates and mental health professionals, the Commission may have a broader range of expertise and experience. Updating and aligning terms ensure Commission continuity and adherence to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604.

The amendments were made to align the composition of the Behavioral Health Commission with the updated requirements of Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604. The changes offer a revised description of mental health board composition that presumably better meets current needs and statutory requirements.

The ordinance becomes effective 30 days after enactment, which occurs when the Mayor signs the ordinance, returns it unsigned, does not sign within ten days of receiving it, or when the Board of Supervisors overrides the Mayor’s veto.

The Commission can recommend to the Board of Supervisors that a member be removed if the member's conduct is seriously disruptive. A member must be removed if absent for four meetings in a 12-month period unless granted leave of absence. A position is deemed vacant upon receipt of notification. Incumbent Commissioners are allowed to retain their seats for the remainder of their existing term after the amendment becomes effective.