Barger Issues Statement on L.A. County Supervisors’ Vote to Implement SB 43 in 2026

Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement today, following the L.A. County Board of Supervisors’ majority vote to delay the implementation of SB43, a new law that makes it legal to conserve individuals suffering from severe substance abuse disorders who are a danger to themselves:

“Our County must get the implementation of this new conservatorship law right. 

We’re talking about taking the reins of thousands of individuals’ lives, so there is a lot at stake. My ‘yes’ vote today reflects my belief that we simply can’t afford a hasty roll-out. We also owe it to our high acuity individuals who remain eligible for conservatorship to build out our County health systems in a responsible way that doesn’t inadvertently sacrifice or diminish their care. 

I believe we still need to keep working urgently to develop our systems of care, but this must be done in a fair and effective manner. Five years ago, I kick-started this process by authoring the motion that put L.A. County’s muscle and support behind reforming the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. We will keep the momentum going.”