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El Arc de California is proud to sponsor a new bill introduced last week by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D–35), AB 2209, legislation aimed at strengthening caregiver succession planning for Californians with developmental disabilities. This important measure builds on existing law to ensure that planning for the future is more consistent, clearly documented, and centered on the individual’s needs, goals, and independence.
AB 2209 addresses a critical gap in California’s developmental services system. Many individuals rely on aging family caregivers, yet planning for future care too often happens too late or inconsistently. While current law requires these conversations through the Individual Program Plan process, expectations around documentation and quality have remained unclear leading to missed opportunities for proactive, person-centered planning.
The bill clarifies that when caregiver succession planning occurs, it must be documented within the IPP and reflect the individual’s preferences, life goals, and right to self-determination. It also preserves individual choice, allowing individuals and families to decline the development of a plan, and ensures that any planning serves as a guidance tool not a legal mandate. By improving accountability and consistency, AB 2209 helps prevent crisis-driven decisions and supports more stable, thoughtful transitions for individuals and their families.
“El Arc de California looks forward to working with Assemblymember Bains, advocates, families, and community partners to advance AB 2209 and strengthen the future of person-centered planning across the state,” said Joe Perales, Director, El Arc de California.
AB 2209 will be heard in Assembly Human Services Committee Hearing on Tuesday, April 14 at 1:30 pm in State Capitol, Room 437. Click HERE to submit written public comment in support of this bill.