Status of Legislation Supported by The Arc / UCP California Collaboration that Did Not Make it to the Governor’s Desk

By Jim Frazier, Director of Public Policy, The Arc & UCP California Collaboration

Here are the bills that were supported by The Arc / UCP California Collaboration that moved through the legislative process with unanimous support up until they found their way to the Appropriations Committee’s in both houses where they died. All of these bills were introduced to improve the quality of life for Californians with developmental disabilities and their families. The stated reason for their demise was essentially the cost of implementation.

Here is a list of the bills that were held (or died) in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and didn’t make it to the Governor’s desk:

• AB 1914 (Grayson): DSP Certification
• AB 2356 (Wallis): Medi-Cal: Monthly Maintenance Amount: Personal and Incidental Needs
• AB 2510 (Arambula): Medi-Cal Dental
• AB 2665 (Lee): Housing Finance: Mixed Income Revolving Loan Program
• SB 1355 (Wahab): Medi-Cal: In-Home Supportive Services and Redetermination

Here is a list of the bills that were held (or died) in the Senate Appropriations Committee and didn’t make it to the Governor’s desk:

• AB 1876 Jackson (Developmental Services: Individual Program Plans and Individual Family Service Plans: Remote Meetings)
• AB 2360 Rendon (Family Wellness Program)
• AB 2383 Carrillo (Darby’s Legacy)
• AB 2701 Villapudua (Medi-Cal: Dental Cleanings and Examinations)
• AB 2956 Boerner (Medi-Cal Redetermination)

The disability system endured decades of funding cuts and there has been no increase to account for inflation and population growth. There needs to be understanding that sometimes you need to spend some money to save some money. Additionally, California is not upholding the core principles of the Lanterman Act passed in 1969 to provide individuals with disabilities with adequate services and supports that allows them equal opportunity to live a life of inclusion in their communities, and thrive.

We are sincerely grateful to all of the senators and assembly members who authored these bills. You are true champions for disability rights and equality. We were as disappointed as you were of the outcome on these desperately-needed pieces of legislation.