The California Assembly Committee on Budget has put forward comprehensive reforms to the state's developmental services system, fundamentally changing how services are delivered and funded while strengthening oversight of regional centers. The legislation establishes statewide standards for the Self-Determination Program, which allows participants greater control over their individual service budgets and choices, with implementation deadlines set for March 2027.
The bill shifts individual budget calculations to focus on authorized services rather than past expenditures, requiring regional centers to certify that spending plans meet specific criteria. It also mandates development of standardized processes for enrollment, budgeting, and financial management services to improve consistency across regions.
For service providers, the legislation introduces new quality incentive requirements starting in fiscal year 2026-27, including compliance with electronic visit verification and federal home- and community-based services rules. The measure adjusts rate freeze timelines, moving the expiration date to February 2026, and eliminates fixed rates for certain services in favor of department-set rates posted online.
The Master Plan for Developmental Services receives formal structure through required biannual committee meetings through 2036. The plan must address accessibility, quality, and equity across demographic groups and geographic regions. The bill appropriates $2.79 million for regional centers to implement a Life Outcomes Improvement System.
Regional centers' implicit bias training requirements now depend on legislative funding, though centers are encouraged to continue training when possible. The legislation also makes specialized funding for non-English speaking individuals contingent on appropriations while establishing enhanced language access and cultural competency initiatives.
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The California Assembly Committee on Budget has put forward comprehensive reforms to the state's developmental services system, fundamentally changing how services are delivered and funded while strengthening oversight of regional centers. The legislation establishes statewide standards for the Self-Determination Program, which allows participants greater control over their individual service budgets and choices, with implementation deadlines set for March 2027.
The bill shifts individual budget calculations to focus on authorized services rather than past expenditures, requiring regional centers to certify that spending plans meet specific criteria. It also mandates development of standardized processes for enrollment, budgeting, and financial management services to improve consistency across regions.
For service providers, the legislation introduces new quality incentive requirements starting in fiscal year 2026-27, including compliance with electronic visit verification and federal home- and community-based services rules. The measure adjusts rate freeze timelines, moving the expiration date to February 2026, and eliminates fixed rates for certain services in favor of department-set rates posted online.
The Master Plan for Developmental Services receives formal structure through required biannual committee meetings through 2036. The plan must address accessibility, quality, and equity across demographic groups and geographic regions. The bill appropriates $2.79 million for regional centers to implement a Life Outcomes Improvement System.
Regional centers' implicit bias training requirements now depend on legislative funding, though centers are encouraged to continue training when possible. The legislation also makes specialized funding for non-English speaking individuals contingent on appropriations while establishing enhanced language access and cultural competency initiatives.
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 18 | 3 | 79 | PASS |
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