CSAC recently reported on the final outcomes of measures that were approved by the Legislature and delivered to Governor Newsom for action. To keep counties informed of new laws of interest and impact, CSAC will publish a series of articles to spotlight those laws in each policy area. This week, the Health and Human Services policy area provides information on new laws affecting behavioral health, health services, and human services in California counties.

The new laws listed below become effective January 1, 2023 unless otherwise noted.

October 13, 2022

On September 28, the Biden Administration hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The Conference website contains numerous resources and videos of the event.

October 6, 2022

September 22, 2022

John Burton Advocates for Youth and Senator Anna Caballero will host a virtual policy briefing on Wednesday, September 28 from 9:00-10:30 am to highlight opportunities to end youth homelessness in California communities.

August 17, 2022

Next Thursday, August 25 from 9:30-11:00 am, John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) will host a webinar to share results of a project to increase foster youth utilization of state and federal tax credits, stimulus checks, and tax rebates. Participants will learn about the benefits of tax filing for Transition Age Youth and what it takes to operate a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site dedicated to current and former foster youth.

The CSAC Health and Human Services Policy Committee tackled three major issues during the in-person meeting Thursday, hearing from speakers on aging, the Governor’s behavioral health priorities, and homelessness. Napa County Supervisor Belia Ramos, Vice Chair of the Committee, welcomed speakers on each topic.

The California Department of Aging (CDA) has announced that they will host a results briefing on the Hubs and Spokes Network for Aging and Disability proposal. The briefing will take place on Wednesday, April 20 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and individuals can register here. At the briefing, CDA will discuss the findings from the stakeholder input process and next steps.

Today, the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services wrapped up their initial round of hearings with a hearing dedicated to stakeholder budget requests. On the Assembly side, the initial human services budget hearings are focused on larger themes, such as anti-poverty and safety net programs, and will extend into April. Both subcommittees are essentially keeping all items open at this point and will revisit them and take votes around the time of the May Revision. This year, CSAC is co-sponsoring three human services budget proposals.

January 6, 2022

The California Department of Aging (CDA) has announced that they will host a results briefing on the Hubs and Spokes Network for Aging and Disability proposal in March 2022, instead of the previously announced December 2021 timeframe.

At the briefing, CDA will discuss the findings from the stakeholder input process and next steps. This initiative follows up on direction in the Master Plan for Aging to revisit California’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) local leadership structures to meet the growing and changing needs and advance equity.

November 10, 2021

On November 4, CSAC hosted an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Training Webinar for county and public authority staff in partnership with the County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) and the California Association of Public Authorities (CAPA). The training provided a refresher course on the revised IHSS Maintenance of Effort (MOE) that was enacted in 2019 and covered new wages, benefits, and collective bargaining provisions that were enacted by AB 135 (Chapter 85, Statutes of 2021) this year.

October 14, 2021

October 10 was the deadline for final bill action by Governor Newsom. Following is an update on major bills of interest or concern for the Health and Human Services policy area that were among the 800+ bills awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. For additional questions, please contact Farrah McDaid Ting, Justin Garrett, or Roshena Duree.

September 16, 2021

CSAC is awaiting the Governor’s action on a number of bills that fall under the health and human services policy area and will keep counties updated on the outcome of these measures. CSAC is requesting the Governor’s signature on several of these measures. Please see the list provided below.

Requesting Signature

August 27, 2021

The California Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Social Services, and the Judicial Council of California are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, September 15, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. The webinar will be an overview of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA).

August 19, 2021

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Monday that the average monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh) benefit will increase by $36 per person from pre-pandemic levels, or $1.19 per day, beginning on October 1, 2021.

July 15, 2021

This week the first Master Plan for Aging (MPA) progress report was released. This report recaps the last six months of efforts by state and local stakeholders towards the 2030 goals of an age-friendly state.

July 1, 2021

June 17, 2021

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has launched a comprehensive Recovery Clearinghouse to help member counties stay up-to-date on COVID-19 recovery news and resources. Members may explore key recovery resources, including:

May 20, 2021

CSAC continues to update our American Rescue Plan page with additional resources. This page includes resources about the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which will provide $7.7 billion in direct fiscal aid to California counties and other elements of the law.

April 23, 2021

Next week, the California Department of Aging (CDA) will host two public hearings on the Older Americans Act. These two hearings are taking place on Monday, April 26, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 29, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. The purpose of these hearings is to gather public input to help inform the development of California’s Older Americans Act (OAA) State Plan for 2021-2025.

On March 15, CSAC hosted a virtual webinar, moderated by Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths, on the Master Plan for Aging (MPA). The webinar featured panelists who passionately engaged and supported the two-year effort to form a statewide roadmap to support and improve the lives of our growing older adult population. Please find the webinar recording here.