922 Machin Avenue Novato, CA 94945

(415) 899-8900 FAX (415) 899-8213

www.novato.org

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

Item I-6 page 2

Agenda Item: I-6