Senate Bill 43, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) Tuesday, expands the definition of "gravely ill" to include people unable to provide basic needs to themselves due to untreated mental illness or unhealthy substance use disorders. Those individuals will not be eligible for conservatorship, effectively forcing them into mental health treatment.

The law is part of efforts to tackle homelessness in the Golden State, with local governments complaining their hands are tied if a person refuses to receive help. However, it has also raised concerns from civil liberties advocates who worry it will allow the state to over-impose its will on individuals.