Relative to Behavioral Health Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Akilah Weber Pierson

Designates a statewide Behavioral Health Awareness Month to educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote access to behavioral health resources.

In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.

#behavioralhealthawarenessmonth

Summary of SCR 175 (Session 2025-2026) – California

Purpose and intent

SCR 175 designates a specific month as Behavioral Health Awareness Month in California. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about behavioral health, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of access to mental health and substance use services.

Key provisions

Official designation: The resolution proclaims a designated month (as determined by the text) to promote awareness of behavioral health issues across the state.

Public outreach and education: Encourages state agencies, organizations, and the public to engage in activities that educate residents about behavioral health, reduce stigma, and share resources.

Commemoration and observance: Encourages events, activities, and partnerships with community groups to recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations working in behavioral health.

May reference collaboration with stakeholders: Likely invites state agencies, health care providers, and community organizations to participate in recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month.

Who would be affected

State agencies and departments (e.g., health services, mental health programs) would be tasked with supporting awareness efforts.

Local governments, schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community organizations could participate in designated observances.

General public would be the audience for awareness campaigns and educational activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The resolution was introduced and referred to the Rules, Legislative, and Sunset (RLS) Committee.

Committee action: Reported from the committee with amendments and adopted; ordered to the Assembly.

Floor action: Passed in the Assembly (Ayes 33, Noes 0) and moved to the Senate for consideration.

Senate action: Returned to committee and, subsequently, adopted on consent calendar (Ayes 8, Noes 0) on June 1, 2026, indicating it advanced with bipartisan support and is poised for final passage.

Sponsor(s)

Co-sponsor: Akilah Weber Pierson, indicating collaboration on the measure to promote behavioral health awareness.

Practical impact and significance

This is a symbolic and commemorative measure aimed at elevating attention to behavioral health issues rather than creating new policy or funding. The designation helps coordinate statewide public education efforts, reduces stigma, and potentially paves the way for future policy or funding initiatives by increasing visibility and prioritization of behavioral health in public discourse.

If you’d like, I can compare SCR 175 to similar state resolutions or provide a proposed outline for a public-facing awareness campaign aligned with Behavioral Health Awareness Month.