“The proposed solution is court orders that rob unhoused Californians of their autonomy to choose their own mental health treatment and housing and threatens their liberty,” the filing stated. “This ‘solution’ will not work and will deprive thousands of people of their constitutional rights.”

The coalition said it filed the lawsuit directly to the state Supreme Court in an effort to expedite timing for a decision. Lawsuits initially filed in lower courts can take more time given that rulings are often appealed.

But the groups could still refile their petition in a lower court should the Supreme Court decide not to take the case, said Sarah Gregory, senior attorney at Disability Rights California.

“[Disability Rights California] has considered all options on the table since the beginning,” Gregory said, “and it will continue to consider all options depending on what the Supreme Court decides.”

Read the full story by Hannah Wiley in the LA Times here.