S.F. Supervisors Adopt Laura’s Law Mental Health Program

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9-2 to adopt Laura's Law, which will allow involuntary treatment of individuals with severe mental illness. Supervisor Mark Farrell, the measure's sponsor, said it will "help those who are clearly suffering and cannot help themselves," but patient advocates said the measure violates individuals' civil rights.

• "San Francisco Supes Approve Laura’s Law, Can Compel Mentally Ill Into Treatment" (Angell, "State of Health," KQED, 7/8).
• "Laura's Law Passes Easily in S.F. Supervisors' Vote" (Lagos, San Francisco Chronicle, 7/8).
• "San Francisco Passes Law Allowing Forced Treatment of Mentally Ill" (Chaussee, Reuters, 7/9).