CHICO, Calif. - The City of Chico is exploring new approaches to address the homeless crisis, focusing on those resistant to services.

The Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee, which includes Chico City Councilman Mike O'Brien, is considering strategies involving Senate Bill 43.

"Senate Bill 43, set to come into effect next year, may assist those struggling with addiction", said O'Brien.

The bill expands the definition of grave disability to include people with serious mental health disorders or addiction, allowing for involuntary hospitalization.

“I don't think it's compassionate to leave someone with an addiction or mental illness under a bridge," O'Brien said. "If you think about it, we don't leave someone with Alzheimer's to wander our community, we get them help."

O'Brien emphasized th

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