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Panel advances bill for statewide review of regional‑center safety training
Summary
AB 308 directs the Department of Developmental Services to evaluate regional centers’ safety training and emergency supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; advocates argued the review is needed to reduce law‑enforcement responses and prevent tragedies in crisis situations.
Assemblymember Ramos presented AB 308 to require a statewide evaluation of safety services and training offered through state regional centers, saying the bill follows the Department of Justice SB 882 advisory board’s findings and seeks to move California from crisis response toward prevention.
Beth Burt, executive director of the Autism Society of the Inland Empire and a parent, testified she had served on the SB 882 advisory council and said families fear law‑enforcement becoming the default responder for behavioral health crises. Burt recounted the fatal shooting of a 15‑year‑old boy, Ryan Gaynor, to illustrate the stakes and urged the committee to advance the bill so the state can identify gaps and build consistent supports.
Several advocacy groups and regional partners voiced support; committee members thanked the author and witnesses and moved the bill forward. The committee placed the item on call pending final roll processing.
The bill was put on call to be forwarded to the Appropriations Committee.
