Mental Health Board Holds Public Hearings On Laura’s Law (AB 1421)

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Mental Health Board has scheduled two public hearings to receive comment on Assembly Bill 1421 (AB 1421), also known as Laura’s Law, which pertains to assisted outpatient treatment programs for those with severe mental illness.

The Laura’s Law public hearings will be held:

• Wednesday, January 28, 2004 from 9-11 a.m., in the Orange County Hall of Administration Board Hearing Room, located at 10 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana; and

• Wednesday, February 4, 2004 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the City of Santa Ana Council Chambers, located at 20 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana.

The hearings will provide an opportunity for mental health clients, family members, mental health professionals and other interested community members to comment on the law approved in 2002, which may be implemented on a county-by-county basis. The intent of AB 1421 was to allow a court to impose assisted outpatient treatment for the seriously mentally ill. AB 1421 has become known as Laura’s Law in memory of a young woman who was killed at a mental health clinic in Northern California. A summary of the law and its provisions will be offered at each public hearing before comment is received.

For more information about the hearings, please call (714) 834-5481.

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