Tag: Legislative Hearings

Your Voice Matters: Key Legislative Hearings You Should Know About

By Julie Schurman, Director of Public Policy, The Arc & UCP California Collaboration

As California moves forward with key budget decisions and legislation, several important hearings in the coming days and weeks could directly impact people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. These proposals include potential cuts to essential services like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Medi-Cal Dental, as well as legislation that strengthens protections and advances equity for our community. Now is the time to stay informed and engaged. While public testimony must be given in person, there are still meaningful ways to participate—by submitting comments via email, calling committee members and tuning in to watch the hearings live. Your voice matters, and policymakers do pay attention.

Wednesday March 25: Governor’s Proposed Cuts to IHSS

ABOUT IN-HOME SUPPORT SERVICES (IHSS) CUTS:

California is considering a set of proposals that would significantly change the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program by removing key protections and shifting costs in ways that could limit access to care. In response to reduced federal funding tied to H.R.1, the state is looking for ways to reduce spending—putting critical IHSS supports at risk for those who depend on them.

One proposal would eliminate the IHSS Backup Provider Program, which helps ensure individuals continue receiving care if their regular caregiver is unavailable. Without this support, people could be left without assistance for essential daily needs.

Another proposal would end the IHSS Residual Program, which currently allows individuals to continue receiving services for a limited time if their Medi-Cal coverage is interrupted due to administrative issues or eligibility changes. Removing this safeguard could result in an abrupt loss of care.

Additional changes would shift the full cost of increased IHSS service hours to counties, creating financial pressure that could lead to reduced services and uneven access to care across different parts of the state.

POSITION: Oppose Cuts

HEARING DETAILS: Wednesday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. at State Capitol, Room 444 (enter on L Street). Public comment at the end of the hearing, which could go past 5:00 p.m. Click HERE for full agenda.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

    • Email Assembly Budget Committee with your public comment opposing these cuts to: AsmBudget@asm.ca.gov – Click HERE for sample messaging.
    • Attend hearing in person and participate in public comment at the conclusion of the hearing.
    • Watch Livestream available here

Thursday, March 26: Medi-Cal Dental Budget Cuts 

ABOUT MEDI-CAL DENTAL CUTS: The Governor’s proposed budget includes nearly a $1 billion cut to Medi-Cal Dental, about one third of the program’s total funding. If approved, payments to dentists who accept Medi-Cal would drop by 40 percent to 80 percent, depending on the service. In a recent survey, more than half of dentists said they would stop accepting Medi-Cal patients or reduce the care they provide. These cuts are set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Reducing the program by this much would severely weaken California’s dental safety net, putting access to care at risk for roughly 15 million people who rely on Medi-Cal Dental

POSITION: Oppose Cuts. 

HEARING DETAILS: Thursday, March 26 after 9:30 a.m. (may start in afternoon): Senate Budget Sub 3 at the Senate Swing Space (1021 O St, Sacramento, CA, Room 1200). This agenda item may not be heard until early afternoon and run until 5 p.m.  Public comment is at the end of the hearing.  Click HERE to view agenda.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

Click HERE to learn more.

Monday, April 6: SB 1052 – SCDD Authorized Representatives

ABOUT SB 1052 (Gonzalez).  SB1052, introduced by Senator Lena Gonzalez, strengthens and clarifies Welfare and Institutions Code §4541 to ensure continuity of authorized representation for individuals with developmental disabilities served by regional centers. SB 1052 modernizes and clarifies the statute governing Authorized Representatives, which is a critical safeguard that protects civil rights when an individual with disabilities does not have a parent, guardian, or conservator legally authorized to assist them. Co-Sponsored by The Arc of California, State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), the Integrated Community Collaborative, and Disability Voices United.

POSITION: Support

HEARING DETAILS: Monday, April 6 after 3 p.m. at in Senate Health Services Committee at Senate Swing Space: 1021 O Street, Room 2200

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

Click HERE to learn more.

Tuesday, April 7 — AB 2347 –  Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training

ABOUT AB 2347 (Ahren).  Existing law defines a “hate crime” as a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of actual or perceived characteristics of the victim, including, among other things, race, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. Existing law requires the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), in consultation with specified subject-matter experts, to develop guidelines and a course of instruction and training for law enforcement officers addressing hate crimes. Existing law also requires POST to consult with the subject-matter experts if the guidelines or course of instruction are updated. Beginning January 1, 2027, AB 2347 would require POST to conduct a comprehensive review of existing hate crimes training programs, as specified. The bill would require the review to be completed by January 1, 2028. The bill would require POST to, by July 1, 2028, adopt evidence-based training requirements to address the gaps identified in the review regarding the prevention, identification, and investigation of hate crimes.

POSITION: Support

HEARING DETAILS: Tuesday, April 7 at 8:30 a.m. in Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing at the State Capitol in Room 126

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

Click HERE to learn more.

Thank you to everyone in our community who continues to speak up, share your experiences, and stay engaged in the policymaking process. Advocacy takes time and effort, and your voice plays a critical role in shaping decisions that affect services, supports, and rights across California. Whether you attend a hearing, submit a comment, or simply stay informed, you are helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

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