CDCAN LogoCalifornia Disability Community Action Network
DISABILITY RIGHTS NEWS REPORT (COMPLETE)
Advocacy Without Borders: Connecting People With Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, Seniors, Traumatic Brain & other injuries, People with MS & other health needs,  Families, Workers, Providers, & Organizations to Rights & Unified Action
Report #056-2007 (all parts)  April 26, 2007 Thursday
To respond to this email, reply to: martyomoto@rcip.com   CDCAN website: www.cdcan.us


California Legislature
* REVISED UPDATE DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES RELATED BILLS
* IMPACTS REGIONAL CENTER FUNDED COMMUNITY SERVICES
* APRIL 27th DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR BILLS TO CONTINUE
* VOTE RECORDS FOR SOME BILLS INCLUDED

SACRAMENTO - With a critical deadline (April 27)  fast approaching to pass bills out of Senate or Assembly policy committees in order to stay alive this year, several bills impacting developmental services - including community-based services and supports funded by the 21 non-profit regional centers overseen by the Department of Developmental Services. [see separate CDCAN reports focusing on bills on other issues, including In-Home Supportive Services, Medi-Cal, Health Reform, health facilities, education, etc or go to the CDCAN website at www.cdcan,us  - watch for CDCAN Townhall Telemeeting that will focus on Regional Center funded community based services,  IHSS and supportive living services including problems with workers being paid on time, quality assurance, etc) [Note: this CDCAN Revised Report was originally sent out earlier at 1 AM or so this morning but was not successful due to technical difficulties and is being re-sent in two parts]

Meanwhile the state budget process continues on a separate track - with an important hearing coming up - likely May 9 at 1:30 PM by the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services to hear and consider budget proposals impacting developmental services including regional centers.  Those items were not heard on April 11th as originally scheduled due to the length of presentations, testimony from the public covering the issues of In-Home Supportive Services and the closure and transition of Agnews Developmental Center.  See CDCAN  Alert for the May 9th hearing at www.cdcan.us
Warren Mattingly
STATUS ON SOME BILLS OF INTEREST
AB 18 - Warren Mattingly Signature Stamp Act (pictured right)
AB 1031 - Lanterman Accessible & Affordable Housing Program (Passed out of committee)
AB 1113 - Medi-Cal 250% Working Disabled Program (Passed out of committee - referred to Appropriations)
AB 1184 - Agnews Developmental Center Advisory Task Force (Passed out of committee)
AB 1410  -Traumatic Brain Injury Medicaid Waiver Pilot (Passed out of committee)
AB 1427 - Developmental Services: Training Pilot Project (Passed with amendments out of committee)
AB 1704 - Developmental Services: Employment  (Passed with amendments out of committee)
SB 527 - Autism Spectrum Disorder: Screening (Passed with amendments out of committee)
SB 725 - Agnews Developmental Center Outpatient Clinic (First hearing set for May 9 at 1:30 PM)

Editor's (Marty Omoto)  Note: Warren Mattingly (pictured right) was a strong, inspiring advocate, who helped build CDCAN, and also was a leader with People FIrst of San Luis Obispo and other groups. He was a leader we all looked to for strength, direction, humor and friendship.  His last visit to Sacramento was April 24, 2006 last year  testifying before a budget committee (see below on AB 18) and he passed away a few weeks later.  CDCAN will be doing a remembrance townhall in his memory. Assemblymember Blakeslee and his staff should be commended for their compassion and empathy and support on the issue of voting rights for people with disabilities - something Warren fought for. 

OVER 220,000 CHILDREN & ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVED BY DEPARTMENT
Nearly 220,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities receive community-based services funded by the 21 regional centers, with about 2,800 persons with developmental disabilities who reside in five developmental centers and 2 smaller facilities owned and operated by the State.  One of those centers - Agnews Developmental Center in San Jose, is slated for closure by June 30, 2008. The issue of transition, appropriate level of health care for those leaving Agnews, and an alternative housing plan put forward by families was the source of a sometimes tense and emotional hearing held by the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services on April 11. 

Community-based services and supports provided by community organizations and individuals and funded by the State through 21 non-profit regional centers is considered by advocates and many policy makers as a key part of a person's right to live in their own home and community.  Advocates believe those rights also mean other critical services and supports, including In-Home Supportive Services and other home care services, Medi-Cal, accessible housing and transportation, employment, accessible communities and  education.

SOME LEGISLATIVE & BUDGET DATES TO WATCH
APR 27 - Last day for policy committees in either house of the Legislature to hear and report bills out that have some level of possible impact on state funding ("fiscal impact") and requires a hearing in the Senate or Assembly Appropriations Committees. Any such bill not heard or reported out of policy committee by this deadline is considered a "two year bill" - meaning no further action can be taken until next year.
MAY 09 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services at 1:30 PM - likely hearing date to hear Department of Developmental Services budget issues impacting regional centers and developmental centers (Agnews Developmental Center closure and transition issues were heard on April 11 along with In-Home Supportive Service budget issues). See CDCAN Alert - go to CDCAN website.
MAY 11 - Deadline for policy committees in either house to hear and report out bills that have no impact on state funding.
MAY 14 - Governor scheduled to release revisions (called "May Revise") to his proposed budget for 2007-2008 that he submitted to the Legislature January 10. 
JUN 01 - Last day for Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committee to hear and report out bills (bills not reported out by this deadline are considered a "two year bill")
JUN 08 - Last day for Senate to pass Senate bills out to the Assembly.  Last day for Assembly to pass out Assembly bills out to the Senate.
JUN 15 - State Constitutional deadline to pass the State Budget (well...I thought I would list it anyway)
JUL 01 - Start of 2007-2008 State Budget Year 

REVISED SUMMARY OF ALL BILLS IMPACTING DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
These are bills that had an action in either the State Senate or Assembly since January.  Not listed are bills that are part of other specific reports (for instance In-Home Supportive Services, or specific Medi-Cal or Senior/Aging bills).
A full report will be issued on these and other issues impacting people with disabilities, seniors, people with mental health needs,  traumatic brain and other injuries, people with MS and other health needs, their families, veterans with disabilities and mental health needs, workers, and other advocates and groups.  Go to CDCAN website for latest information on the CDCAN websiteat www.cdcan.us  (

AB 14  - DISCRIMINATION: CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 2007
AUTHOR: Assemblymember John Laird (Democrat - 27th District, Santa Cruz)
CDCAN SUMMARY (Reflects 04/12/07 amendments)
* Would update various non-discrimination state laws relating to government-funded programs and business services by adding protections against discrimination on the basis of disability, sexual orientation, marital status, etc.  In recent years, these protections have been clarified or added to the Unruh Civil Rights Act and Government Code section 11135.
* Would incorporate by reference the protected classes  of the Unruh Act and section 11135 into the other existing state anti-discrimination laws, including those covering regional centers. .
LATEST ACTIONS:
03/27/07 - Passed with amendments by vote of 7-3 out of Assembly Judiciary Committee with recommendation "Do pass as amended and refer to Assembly Appropriations Committee".
04/12/07 - Amendments approved on Assembly Floor and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Assembly Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07.

AB 18 - WARREN MATTINGLY SIGNATURE STAMP ACT
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Sam Blakeslee (Republican - San Luis Obispo)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would enact the "Warren Mattingly Signature Stamp Act" which would allow a person with disabilities, who is unable to write, to use a signature stamp to sign a document whenever a signature is required by law.
* Would prohibit a person from using a signature stamp on any local, state, or federal election ballot unless the person has registered the signature stamp with the Secretary of State 
* Requires the Secretary of State to adopt regulations and develop a registry for signature stamps to be used pursuant to (1) and to adopt procedures for verification of registration.
* Would require that, in certain circumstances, a signature by signature stamp be accompanied by the signature of a witness or, in certain other circumstances, 2 witnesses.
* Prohibits a person from using a signature stamp unless they are an authorized user of the stamp, are in the presence of the person, entity, or representative of the person requiring the signature, and present valid proof of identification.
* Maintains an existing state law  definition of "signature" as  an option to the requirements in this bill - only for elections-related documents-as a person's mark if the name of the person affixing the mark is written near the mark by a witness designated by the person.
LATEST ACTIONS:
03/27/07: Passed out of Assembly Judiciary Committee 10-0 with recommendation "Do pass and refer to Assembly Appropriations Committee and refer to Assembly Floor Consent Calendar".
04/12/07: Amended with author's amendments on Assembly Floor .To Assembly Appropriations Committee
04/18.07: In Assembly Appropriations Committee. Hearing postponed by committee
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Assembly Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07.
CDCAN COMMENT (AND MARTY OMOTO PERSONAL COMMENT):
Warren Mattingly was a good friend and a strong inspiring advocate and one of the leaders of People First of San Luis Obispo, and a strong partner and one of those who helped CDCAN.  His last trip to Sacramento to testify on budget issues was April 24, 2006 lastyear before the Assembly Budget Subcommittee and he passed away less than a month later in May. 
Assemblymember Blakeslee and his staff always treated Warren with respect and as they did with the other advocates - and showed remarkable compassion and empathy when he died. We miss him. 
Assemblymember Blakeslee pledged to introduce legislation in Warren's honor - on a issue close to his heart: the right to vote.  The issue came up during a CDCAN Townhall Telemeeting last October that featured several county registrars of voters, including Los Angeles, and also the Secretary of State - with all pledging to do something about the issue. Though the introduced version of the bill was too extensive, the later versions are closer to what Warren - and the rest of us - fought for.  He would have been proud that this is happening - as we will always be of him. 

AB 237 - MEDI-CAL: HIV DRUG TREATMENT - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Audra Strickland (Republican - 37th District, Moorpark)
CDCAN SUMMARY  
Would increase, to an amount not to exceed $2,000,000,000, (from the current existing limit of $1,000,000,000) the annual appropriation from the State General Fund in the form of loans, and from the Federal Trust Fund to the Medical Providers Interim Payment Fund, which previous State law created for the purposes of paying Medi-Cal providers, providers of drug treatment services for persons infected with HIV, and providers of services for  persons with developmental disabilities, on or after July 1, and before September 1, of the State budget  year when a budget is not enacted or there is a shortfall (deficiency) in the Medi-Cal budget in any fiscal year. (Requires 2/3rds vote)
LATEST ACTION:
03/06/07 - Passed out of Assembly Health Committee by vote 12-0 with recommendation "Do Pass".
03/28/07 - In Assembly Appropriations Committee.  To "Suspense File".
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Assembly Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07.
CDCAN COMMENT:  This increases existing fund that keeps state money flowing to regional centers and other specified providers whenever a State budget is not passed on time, for two months. 
"Suspense File" allows a bill to be heard, but  is referred to a holding place - called a "suspense file". The leadership with Appropriation Committee members, decides what happens to all bills on the "suspense file" and their decision is announced during hearings held in the Senate and Assembly during the week of the deadline to report bills out of Appropriation Committees.  Bills held in committee are technically still "alive" but cannot have any further action until next year (called a "two year bill"")-

AB 271  - ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: PUBLIC BENEFITS
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Paul Cook (Republican - 65 District, Yucaipa)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would declare the Legislature's intent to enact legislation that would prohibit any person who resides illegally in California from receiving the same benefits and privileges as a person who resides legally in this state and would require proof of citizenship to receive any form of state-funded benefits
LATEST ACTION:
02/09/07: Introduced in Assembly
NEXT STEP: Must be heard and reported out of a policy committee on or before 04/27/07 or no further action can be taken on this bill until next year (referred to as a "two year bill").
CDCAN COMMENT: Chances for this bill are extremely remote.

AB 295 - STATE AGENCIES: COLLECTION OF DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Ted Lieu (Democrat - 53rd District, El Segundo)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would requires any state agency, board, or commission that collects and tabulates data on ethnic origin or ancestry that provides a breakdown for each major Asian and Pacific Islander group-Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, Asian Indian, Hawaiian, Guamanian, Samoan, Laotian, and Cambodian to make this information available to the public.
* Would require the following state agencies, in addition to collecting and tabulating information on the Asian and Pacific Islander groups, to also collect data on Bangladeshi, Fijian, Hmong, Indonesian, Malaysian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai, and Tongan: Department of Health Care Services, Department of Public Health, Department of Education, Department of Social Services,  Employment Development, Industrial Relations, State Personnel Board, and Fair Employment and Housing
* Would require the departments to comply with (2) by July 1, 2009 and to update their data collection within 18 months after release of the United State Census to reflect any additional Asian Pacific Islander groups reported by the Census.
LATEST ACTIONS
04/25/07: In Assembly Appropriations Committee. To Suspense File.
NEXT STEPS: Must be reported out of Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07
CDCAN COMMENT:  "Suspense File" allows a bill to be heard, but is referred to a holding place - called a "suspense file". The leadership - with  Appropriation Committee members decides what happens to all bills on the "suspense file" and their decision is announced during hearings held in the Senate and Assembly during the week of the deadline to report bills out of Appropriation Committees.  Bills held in committee are technically still "alive" but cannot have any further action until next year (called a "two year bill"")-

AB 825  - PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
AUTHOR:Assemblymember Jim Silva (Republican - 67th District, Huntington Beach)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would require a regional center or developmental center to disclose specified information and records to certain employees of a school district or county office of education, as provided, when disclosure is necessary for a regional center or state developmental center to perform its official duties under existing law.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/24/07 - Held in Assembly Human Services Committee.
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of committee on or before 04/27/07 or no further action can be taken on this bill this year (referred to as a "two year bill"). 
 
AB 1031 - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: LANTERMAN ACCESSIBLE & AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Lloyd  Levine (Democrat - 40th District, Van Nuys)
CDCAN SUMMARY (reflects 04/10.07 amendments)
* Would establish the Lanterman Accessible and Affordable Housing Program to provide resources for grants to purchase residential property for community housing for persons with developmental disabilities.
* Would establish the Lanterman Accessible and Affordable Housing Fund and would, upon appropriation by the Legislature, authorize use of money in the fund by the department for these purposes.
* Would establish the Lanterman Accessible and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and would set forth its duties.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/24/07 - Passed with amendments out of Assembly Human Services Committee by vote of 6-0, with recommendation "Do pass as amended and refer to Assembly Appropriations"
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Assembly Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07
CDCAN VOTE RECORD FOR AB 1031 (Do pass as amended)
YES Votes - 6 total
Democrats ( 5): Beall (Chair), Davis,  DeSaulnier, Krekorian and Richardson
Republicans (1): Spitzer
NO Votes - 0 total
ABSENT, Abstaining or not voting - 1 total
Republican (1): Berryhill (Vice Chair)

AB 1057 - ELECTRONIC PERSONAL RECORDS STRATEGIC PLAN
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Jim  Beall (Democrat - 24th District, San Jose)
CDCAN SUMMARY (Reflects 04/1/07 amendments)
* Would require the California Health and Human Services Agency to establish an advisory committee on electronic personal records , with membership identified in this bill, to assist the agency in providing a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2009, recommending a strategic plan to enhance the development and implementation of electronic personal records. Implementation of the plan would be contingent upon enactment of subsequent statutory authorization.
*  Would establish procedures to be followed by the committee with respect to identifying members' potential conflicts of interest, to ensure the integrity of the committee's recommendations.
*  Would authorize the agency to receive various forms of funding to be used, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for purposes of the bill.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/10/07 - Passed by vote of 11-4 out of Assembly Health Committee with recommendation "Do Pass and refer to Judiciary Committee"
04/18/07 - Amendments by author approved on Assembly Floor and returned to Assembly Judiciary Committee
04/24/07 - Passed with amendments out of Assembly Judiciary Committee with recommendation "Do Pass as amended and refer to Assembly Appropriations Committee"
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Assembly Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07.

AB 1113 - MEDI-CAL: WORKING DISABLED PROGRAM
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Julia Brownley (Democrat - 41st, Santa Monica)
CDCAN SUMMARY
* Deletes the September 1, 2008 sunset date for the program (making it permanent)
* Would extends and increases eligibility for the existing Medi-Cal 250% California Working Disabled Program. 
* Would disregards the income of a spouse when determining eligibility and the premium amount;
* Exempts assets if those assets were accumulated while an individual was working and qualified for Medi-Cal under the program;
* Would exempt assets of spouse up to the amount allowed under the Medicare spousal impoverishment cap, as specified in the bill
* Exempts retirement income received at or after 65 years of age.
* Would permits ipersons otherwise eligible for the California Working Disabled Program but who are temporarily not working, to remain in the program for up to 18 months, provided the individuals continue to pay premiums during the temporary nonworking period.
* Requires assets that are currently exempt under the California Working Disabled Program to continue to be exempt under any other Medi-Cal program where eligibility is based on age, blindness, or disability.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/17/07: Passed with amendments out of Assembly Health Committee by vote of 12-4 with recommendation "Do pass as amended and refer to Appropriations Committee"
04/23/07: Amendments approved on Assembly Floor (Second Reading)
04/25/07: Re-referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Assembly Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07.
CDCAN COMMENT: Bill has widespread support from senior and disability groups for a little known Medi-Cal program that advocates can help people remain in their homes and communitiesand remain (or obtain) employment without losing needed services and supports. 

AB 1128  - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
AUTHOR:  Assemblymember Noreen Evans (Democrat - 7th District, Santa Rosa)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would declare the intent of the Legislature to subsequently amend this bill to include provisions that would convene a Blue Ribbon Commission relating to the Lanterman Act to review and make recommendations to improve that act.
LATEST ACTION:
04/09/07: Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of committee on or before 04/27/07 or no further action can be taken on this bill until next year (referred to as a "two year bill")

AB 1184 - AGNEWS DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER ADVISORY TASK FORCE
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Sally Lieber (Democrat - 22nd District, Mountain View)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would require the Director of the Department on Developmental Services to establish an Agnews Developmental Center Transition Advisory Task Force consisting of family members of residents of Agnews Developmental Center for the purpose of monitoring community placements of people who have been transitioned, make recommendations to the department, the regional centers, and the Legislature.
ACTIONS:
04/24/07: Passed out of Assembly Human Services Committee by vote of 6-0  with recommendation "Do Pass as amended and refer to Appropriations Committee".
NEXT STEPS:  Must be heard and reported out of committee on or before 04/27/07 or no further action can be taken on this bill until next year.
CDCAN Comment: This action was corrected from previous (#54-2007)  report that reported that the bill was held in committee.]
CDCAN VOTE RECORD FOR AB 1184 (Do pass as amended)  
YES Votes - 6 total)
Democrats ( 5): Beall (Chair), Davis,  DeSaulnier, Krekorian and Richardson
Republicans (1): Spitzer
NO Votes - 0 total
ABSENT, Abstaining or not voting - 1 total
Republican (1): Berryhill (Vice Chair)

AB 1192 - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: CONSUMER ABUSE REGISTRY 
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Noreen Evans (Democrat - 7th District, Santa Rosa0
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would require providers to report evidence of abuse of persons with developmental disabilities who they provide services or supports, to the Department of Developmental Services.
* Would require the Department of Developmental Services to establish a registry of providers and others who have a substantiated history of abuse of persons with developmental disabilities, and to make the registry available to persons who would hire persons to provide services and supports to consumers.
LATEST ACTION:
04/24/07 - Passed with amendments out of Assembly Human Services Committee vote of 6-0, with recommendation of "Do Pass as amended".
NEXT STEPS: Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. Must be heard and reported out by 06/01/07
CDCAN VOTE RECORD FOR AB 1192  (Do pass as amended)  
YES Votes - 6 total
Democrats ( 4): Beall (Chair), Davis,  DeSaulnier, and Krekorian
Republicans (2): Berryhill (Vice Chair) and Spitzer
NO Votes - 0 total
ABSENT, Abstaining or not voting - 1 total
Democrat (1): Richardson

AB 1402 - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES:  IPP APPEAL PROCEDURE INFORMATION
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Noreen Evans (Democrat - 7th District, Santa Rosa)
CDCAN SUMMARY [does not reflect latest amendments]
Would require audio recordation of a person's Individual Program Plan (IPP)_ meeting upon request, and would require the Department of Developmental Services, regional centers, and vendors, to provide appeal procedure information on their respective Internet Web sites, including, but not limited to, a telephone number for the purpose of answering consumer and applicant questions about the appeals procedure.
LATEST ACTION:
04/24/07 - Passed with amendments out of Assembly Human Services Committee vote of 6-0, with recommendation "Do pass as amended".
NEXT STEPS: Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. Must be heard and reported out by 06/01/07
CDCAN VOTE RECORD FOR AB 1402  (Do pass as amended)  
YES Votes - 6 total
Democrats ( 4): Beall (Chair), Davis,  DeSaulnier, and Krekorian
Republicans (2): Berryhill (Vice Chair) and Spitzer
NO Votes - 0 total
ABSENT, Abstaining or not voting - 1 total
Democrat (1): Richardson
     
AB 1410  - MEDI-CAL: TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PILOT PROGRAM
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Mike Feuer (Democrat - 42nd District, West Hollywood)
CDCAN SUMMARY (as amended 04/24/07)
* Would require the Department of Health Care Services, by March 15, 2008, to submit to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services a home- and community-based services waiver application to serve at least 100 adults with acquired traumatic brain injuries who otherwise would require care in a Medi-Cal funded facility including a nursing facility and an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities.
* Would require that services under the Medicaid waiver be provided by project sites providing services to adults with acquired traumatic brain injuries, as described in existing law, would expand the services that these projects would be permitted to provide, and would require that the state transfer to the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund amounts equal to any federal match reimbursements received for expenditures and costs paid from that fund.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/17/07 - Passed with amendments by vote of 12-4  out of Assembly Health Committee with recommendation "Do Pass as amended"
04/24/07 - Amendments approved on Assembly Floor. Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
NEXT STEPS: Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. Must be heard and reported out by 06/01/07

AB 1421  - DISASTER EVACUATION REGISTRY
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (Democrat- 40th District, Van Nuys)
CDCAN SUMMARY
States the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to create a registry of California residents with special needs for evacuation purposes in the event of a disaster.
LATEST ACTION:
02/23/07 - Introduced in Assembly.
NEXT STEPS: Unless heard and reported out of policy committee on or before 04/27/07, no further action can be taken on this bill this year (called a "two year bill").

AB 1427 - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: TRAINING PILOT PROJECT   
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (Democrat - 43rd District, Glendale)
CDCAN SUMMARY (as amended 04/18/07)
* Would require the Department of Developmental Services, beginning on  January 1, 2008, to establish a developmental services training pilot program using the Quality Improvement Fund, which would be established by this bill, to incentivize, reimburse, and assess the use of recognized training resources for direct support workers in consumer-directed services.
* Would require the Department of Developmental Services  to, by January 2008, enter into a contract with the University of California, or other contractor, to assess the pilot program and report to the Legislature by April 1, 2010
* Would establish a Quality Improvement Review Board and would set forth its duties under the bill .
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/24/07 - Passed with amendments out of Assembly Human Services Committee by vote of 5-1, with recommendation "Do Pass as amended".
NEXT STEPS: Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. Must be heard and reported out by 06/01/07
CDCAN COMMENT: This bill is generating growing controversy among some community-based provider organizations and others . In a previous CDCAN Report on this bill, CDCAN reported that this bill might be a vehicle for legislation later similar to the workforce pilot project that was part of the original version of AB 649 (2004) by then Assemblymember Patricia Wiggins -  a later much more modest study version was vetoed by the Governor and last year's AB 2193 by Assemblymember Loni Hancock which died on the Assembly floor.  Dion Aroner, who works as a consultant on direct care support staff issues and is a former Assemblymember, said that AB 1427 was not a vehicle for workforce service centers or similar pilots and would call for a pilot that should be non controversial.
CDCAN VOTE RECORD FOR AB 1427 (Do pass as amended)  
YES Votes - 5 total
Democrats ( 5): Beall (Chair), Davis,  DeSaulnier, Krekorian and Richardson
Republicans (0): -none-
NO Votes - 1 total
Republican (1): Spitzer
ABSENT, Abstaining or not voting - 1 total
Republican (1): Berryhill (Vice Chair)

AB 1526  - HOUSING FOR ELDERLY & PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Sally Lieber (Democrat - 22nd District, Mountain View)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
* Would change existing law that exempts from licensing requirements certain facilities for persons who are elderly or persons with disabilities by  exempting those facilities occupied by the elderly or persons with disabilities that are approved to be operated under federal law, from licensing requirements of community care facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly and residential care facilities for persons with life threatening illness
* Would also exempt facilities that are approved or operated under provisions of the federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
LATEST ACTIONS
04/10./07: Passed by vote of 7-0 out of Assembly Human Services Committee with recommendation "Do Pass"
04/25/07:  Passed out of Assembly Appropriations Committee with recommendation "Do Pass, to Consent Calendar"
NEXT STEPS: Heads to Assembly Floor for final vote (third reading).

AB 1687  - MENTAL HEALTH & DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Julia Brownley (Democrat - 41st District, Santa Monica)
CDCAN SUMMARY (Reflects 04/16/07 amendments)
* Would require, if a service provider determines that the disclosure of information and records of a child with developmental disabilities or a child with mental health needs in the custodial care of the county is necessary to prevent serious harm to that child or others, information and records relating to the diagnosis, treatment, participation in counseling, and other information obtained in the course of providing services to that child to be disclosed to a county social worker, probation officer, or custodial caregiver.
* Would also provide that the disclosure of information and records under this bill  is not intended to limit the disclosure of information and records subject to a valid authorization or when disclosure is required by law, or prohibit an existing disclosure of information and records by a claim of privileged or confidential information when a court of competent jurisdiction orders a mental health examination or treatment.
LATEST ACTIONS
04/16/07 - Amendments approved on Assembly Floor.  Returned to Assembly Human Services Committee.
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported of committee on or before 04/2707 or no further action can be taken on this bill until next year (called a "two year bill").

AB 1704 - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: EMPLOYMENT
AUTHOR: Assemblymember Doug  La Malfa (Republican - 2nd District, Redding)
CDCAN SUMMARY (Reflects 04/10/07 amendments)
*  Would require the Department of Developmental Services to include rates for community transition specialist services in current regulations.
* Existing law establishes the hourly rate for supported employment services, and authorizes payment of prescribed fees for consumers who are referred for vocational rehabilitation services, including, but not limited to, a $400 intake fee, an $800 placement fee, and an $800 retention fee.
* Would, instead make those fees applicable for individualized services and would establish other authorized fees applicable for group services. 
* Would authorize the Department of Developmental Services to adopt regulations to increase the percentage of job coaching services that may be provided to maximize the likelihood that a consumer will achieve stabilization and independence on the job.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/24/07 - Passed with amendments out of Assembly Human Services Committee by vote of 7-0,  with recommendation "Do Pass as amended".
NEXT STEPS: Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. Must be heard and reported out by 06/01/07
CDCAN COMMENT: This bill previously was about In-Home Supportive Services but was amended to deal with developmental services
CDCAN VOTE RECORD FOR AB 1704 (Do pass as amended)  
YES Votes - 7 total
Democrats ( 5): Beall (Chair), Davis,  DeSaulnier, Krekorian and Richardson
Republicans (2): Berryhill (Vice Chair) and Spitzer
NO Votes - 0 total
ABSENT, Abstaining or not voting - 0 total

SB 137  - CHILDREN'S HEALTH: MEDICAL TREATMENT
AUTHOR: Sen. Tom Torlakson (Democrat - 7th District, Concord)
CDCAN SUMMARY (Reflects 03/10/07 amendments):
Would change the eligibility limitation of annual adjusted gross income of $40,000 or less to persons in a family with an annual or monthly income equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty level for services under the Robert W. California Children's Services Act
LATEST INFORMATION:
03/14/07 - Passed by vote of 7-4 out of Senate Health Committee with recommendation "Do Pass as amended"
03/21/07 - Amendments approved on Senate Floor and referred to Senate Appropriations Committee.
04/16/07 - In Senate Appropriations Committee: To "Suspense File".
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Senate Appropriations on or before 06/01/07
CDCAN COMMENT: "Suspense File" allows a bill to be heard, but  is referred to a holding place - called a "suspense file". The leadership decides what happens to all bills on the "suspense file" and their decision is announced during hearings held in the Senate and Assembly during the week of the deadline to report bills out of Appropriation Committees.  Bills held in committee are technically still "alive" but cannot have any further action until next year (called a "two year bill"")-

 SB 269 - CALWORKS: HOME INVESTIGATIVE VISITS
AUTHOR: Sen. Tom McClintock (Republican - 19th District, Thousand Oaks)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would require an investigator from the county district attorney's office to conduct an interview with and a walk-through at the home of each applicant for the CalWORKs program.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/24/07: Failed passage in Senate Human Services Committee.
NEXT STEPS: Must be reported out of this committee on or before 04/27/07 or no further action can be taken on this bill this year.
CDCAN COMMENT: Barring a successful re-vote (called reconsideration) which is not likely next year, this bill is considered "dead". THough this bill doesn't directly impact In-Home Supportive Services or regional center funded community-based services, many CalWORK parents have disabilities a    of the parents many have children with disabilities and mental health needs - with some number receiving regional funded services or other social services. 

SB 446 - MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
AUTHOR: Sen. Leland Yee (Democrat - 8th District, San Francisco)
CDCAN SUMMARY
* Would require the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency to administer a program providing grants on a competitive basis to qualifying micro enterprise development providers for capacity building projects, and to the extent funds are appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature.
* Would require the Agency, subject to the availability of funds for that purpose, to contract with a nonprofit intermediary for certain services relating to the grant program.
LATEST ACTIONS
04/23/07 - Passed by vote of 5-2 out of Senate Business, Profession and Economic Development Committee with recommendation "Do Pass but first be re-referred to Appropriations Committee"
NEXT STEPS: Must be heard and reported out of Senate Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07
CDCAN COMMENT: This bill doesn't specifically focus on persons with disabilities or seniors, but regional center funded community-based advocates and others are hoping to have the bill amended to specifically including persons with disabilities. 
CDCAN VOTE RECORD FOR SB 446 (Do pass))  
YES Votes - 5 total
Democrats ( 5): Ridley-Thomas (Chair), Corbett, Florez, Simitian and Yes
Republicans (2): Aanestad (Vice Chair) and Harman
NO Votes - 2 total
ABSENT, Abstaining or not voting - 1 total
Republican (1): Denham

SB 527 - AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: SCREENING
AUTHOR: Sen. Darrell Steinberg (Democrat - 9th District, Sacramento)
CDCAN SUMMARY
* Would require the Department of Developmental Services, no later than January 1, 2009, to implement its guidelines for the screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders for children enrolled in the Early Start program.
* Would require any physician who treats patients who are children to routinely evaluate any patient who is 5 years of age or younger for behaviors resembling those identified as autism spectrum disorders, and to provide parents and legal guardians with certain information relating to cognitive impairments, including, autistic spectrum disorders, and local regional centers or other organizations that provide screening and related services for children with autistic spectrum disorders.
04/25/07 - Passed out of Senate Health Committee with recommendation "Do pass and refer to Appropriations Committee".
NEXT STEPS:  Needs to be heard and reported out of Senate Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07.

SB 623  - MEDI-CAL & MEDICARE DRUG CO-PAYMENTS
AUTHOR: Sen. Patricia  Wiggins (Democrat - 2nd District, Santa Rosa)
CDCAN SUMMARY (Reflects 04/23/07 amendments)
* Would provide that, beginning January 1, 2008, the Department of Health Care Services shall pay all copayments required by drug plans under the Medicare Program for generic or brand name medications for persons who dually eligible for full Medi-Cal and Medicare benefits, under certain conditions in the bill.
* Would require the Department of Health Care Services  to develop a process for the reimbursement of Medi-Cal enrolled pharmacies for the cost of the copayments, unless specified conditions are met.
* Would require that a pharmacists's claim for reimbursement under the bill submitted under penalty of perjury, thereby expanding the definition of an existing crime, thus creating a state-mandated local program.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/11/07 - Passed with amendments by vote of 7-3 out of Senate Health Committee with recommendation "Do pass as amended"
04/23/07 - Amendments approved on Senate Floor. Re-referred to Senate Rules Committee.
NEXT STEPS: Needs to be heard and reported out of Senate Appropriations Committee on or before 06/01/07

SB 725  - AGNEWS DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER: OUTPATIENT CLINIC
AUTHOR: Sen. Elaine Alquist (Democrat - 13th District, San Jose)
CDCAN SUMMARY:
Would state the intent of the Legislature to subsequently amend this bill to include provisions that would:
(1) enhance opportunities, at the Agnews Developmental Center outpatient clinic for clinicians in the South Bay, Peninsula, and East Bay communities to receive training to make services for adults with developmental disabilities more effective;
(2) to ensure that specialized health and dental services currently available through the outpatient clinic continue to be provided as a regional resource to consumers served by all regional centers;
(3) to ensure continued operation of the outpatient clinic at Agnews Developmental Center until July 1, 2012, notwithstanding the closure of Agnews Developmental Center; and
(4) to ensure the orderly transition of those services if the outpatient clinic is unable to continue its licensure at the present location.
LATEST ACTIONS:
04/17/07 - Amendments approved on Senate Floor and returned to Senate Health Committee.
NEXT STEPS: .Set for hearing 05/09/07 at 1:30  PM State Capitol - Senate Health Committee.

SB 1027  - DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
AUTHOR: Sen. Elaine Alquist (Democrat - 13th District, San Jose)
CDCAN SUMMARY
Would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to one of these provisions (this is a "spot bill" - with later language that supposed to come to add detail. Its called a spot bill because it is holding a place or a spot for the real bill. 
LATEST ACTIONS:
03/15/07 -  Referred to Senate Rules Committee.
NEXT STEPS:  Unless heard and reported out of policy committee on or before 04/27/07, no further action can be taken on this bill this year (called a "two year bill").

    
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MANY THANKS to Manteca CAPS, Training Toward Self Reliance, UCP, California NAELA, Californians for Disability Rights, Inc (CDR) including CDR chapters, CHANCE Inc, Parents Helping Parents, Arriba, Strategies To Empower People, Parents Helping Parents, Asian American parents groups, Resources for Independent Living and many other Independent Living Centers, several regional centers, People First of San Luis Obispo, chapters, IHSS workers, other self advocacy and family support groups, developmental center families, and hundreds of individuals.