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Commission backs staff recommendations on several bills; directs staff engagement on AB 96
Summary
The commission voted to support or take positions on five bills presented by staff, and directed staff to participate in stakeholder conversations for AB 96 (peer to CHW scope) as it moves into a two‑year cycle.
Staff presented a set of legislative priorities and recommended positions for the commission. After discussion, the commission voted on a package of bills and took the following actions.
Actions taken (summary): - SB 320: Commission voted to support the staff recommendation (motion carried by roll call). - AB 348: Commission voted to support staff recommendation (motion carried by roll call). This bill addresses presumptive eligibility for full service partnerships to reduce inconsistent county eligibility rules. - AB 1037: Commission voted to support staff recommendation (motion carried by roll call). Staff described the bill as modernizing law to support evidence‑based, compassionate substance use care. - SB 531: Commission voted to support staff recommendation (motion carried by roll call). Staff said the bill expands age‑appropriate mental health instruction to all students. - SB 862: Commission voted to support staff recommendation (motion carried by roll call). Staff described this as a technical omnibus health bill and included a clean‑up for the commission’s name change in places where Prop 1 updated statutory language.
AB 96: Staff asked the commission to participate in stakeholder conversations on AB 96 (a proposal to allow peer support specialists to qualify as community health workers for behavioral health purposes). The author chose to make AB 96 a two‑year bill; staff recommended active engagement and directed the legislative committee to receive updates as the provisions are negotiated.
Why it matters: The bills touch on peer scope, FSP eligibility, substance use treatment, K–12 mental health education and technical statutory updates. Commissioners emphasized workforce and equity implications and requested that staff keep the legislative and program committees informed.
Ending: Staff will continue to brief the legislative committee; commissioners who have relevant affiliations were asked to note those per the Bagley‑Keene and political‑reform guidance in the packet.
