Relative to Behavioral Health Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 67 co-sponsors

Designates Behavioral Health Awareness Month in California to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and support education and outreach, with no new legal duties or funding.

From committee: Ordered to third reading.

#behavioralhealthawarenessmonth

Summary of ACR 209 (2025-2026) – California

ACR 209, introduced in the California State Assembly, designates a month to raise awareness about behavioral health. The resolution is a ceremonial/recognition measure rather than a bill that creates new laws or imposes regulatory changes. It reflects the Legislature’s intent to highlight behavioral health issues, reduce stigma, and promote awareness, understanding, and support for individuals experiencing behavioral health conditions.

Purpose and Intent

Officially designate a specific month as Behavioral Health Awareness Month in California.

Express the Legislature’s commitment to improving behavioral health understanding, access to services, and stigma reduction.

Encourage outreach and educational activities by state agencies, organizations, and communities to promote behavioral health awareness.

Key Provisions and Changes

Proclamation and Recognition: The resolution assigns formal recognition of Behavioral Health Awareness Month.

No New or Expanded Legal Duties: As a concurrent-resolutions bill, ACR 209 does not create new statutory requirements, fiscal obligations, or regulatory programs. It does not authorize funding, alter existing programs, or change eligibility criteria.

Scope of Themes: Emphasizes awareness, education, and advocacy related to behavioral health, including mental health and substance use considerations, consistent with public-health messaging.

Who or What Would Be Affected

General Public: Aims to increase awareness among California residents, families, and communities.

State and Local Agencies: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities, disseminate information, and support related events or campaigns.

Stakeholders: Organizations focused on mental health, addiction services, healthcare providers, schools, workplaces, and community groups may organize or participate in related events during Behavioral Health Awareness Month.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the Assembly and referred to a committee (Rules or related committee) for consideration.

Committee Action: Reported from committee with a recommendation to adopt; placed on consent/calendar for further action.

Floor Action: Adopted by the Assembly with a large bipartisan majority (Ayes 72, Noes 0) and transmitted to the Senate.

Senate Consideration: Likely to follow a similar ceremonial process (designation of the month) if the Senate adopts a companion or identical resolution.

Practical Impact

Public Awareness: Signals legislative support for prioritizing behavioral health awareness in public life.

No Fiscal Impact Presumed: The resolution does not specify funding or programmatic changes; any related activities would be funded through existing channels if pursued.

Educational and Stigma-Reduction Focus: Encourages public education, collaboration with behavioral health organizations, and community outreach.

Notable Details

Co-sponsors: A broad coalition of Assembly members representing diverse geographic areas and viewpoints, indicating broad legislative support for the awareness designation.

Action History: The bill progressed from introduction to committee, to consent calendar, and then to the full Assembly with unanimous voice support, prior to sending to the Senate.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, advocates, or the general public) or compare ACR 209 to similar resolutions from other years.