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STAFF REPORT
MEETING
DATE: August 16, 2016
TO: City Council
FROM: Cathy Capriola, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING SCHEDULING AN
AGENDA ITEM TO CONSIDER TAKING A POSITION URGING THE
MARIN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO AUTHORIZE THE
APPLICATION OF LAURA’S LAW IN MARIN COUNTY
REQUEST
If desired, and as provided in Section 3.02 of the City Council Policy Manual, schedule a
presentation on a future agenda to consider taking a position urging the Marin County Board of
Supervisors to authorize the application of Laura’s Law in Marin County. In addition, provide
input on the desired level of staff resources to be used and background research desired.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff.
DISCUSSION
At the City Council’s quarterly agenda setting work session held on July 12, 2016, Councilmember
Drew requested and received majority support to add an item to a future agenda to consider taking
a position urging the Marin County Board of Supervisors to authorize the application of Laura’s
Law in Marin County.
Laura’s Law (also known as Assisted Outpatient Treatment/AOT) is a process that allows courts
to compel individuals with severe mental illness and a history of arrest or violence to stay in
treatment as a condition for living in the community. The law is only operative in those counties
in which the county board of supervisors authorizes its application.
Brief discussion at the July 12 meeting noted that the Board of Supervisors is expected to consider
this matter shortly after the first of the year. Staff has been advised that a representative of the
Marin County Department of Health & Human Services hopes to address the Council on this
matter if and when it comes before you.
Without further discussion of Council expectations, it is not possible to estimate the amount of
time that might be needed in research, such as, for example, research on the effects of the law,
Item I-6 page 1
Agenda Item: I-6
surveying the extent of the law’s authorization around the State, or identifying organizations or
individuals opposed to the authorization of Laura’s Law..
FISCAL IMPACT
None anticipated.
ALTERNATIVES
Propose alternative recommendations or strategies.
ATTACHMENTS
None
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Agenda Item: I-6