Position Category: Assembly Bill

AB 908 (SOLACHE) LGBTQ+ Inclusion in LCAP – Support

March 24th, 2025

The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Chair, Assembly Education Committee  
1020 N Street, Room 159 
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for Assembly Bill 908 (Solache)

Dear Chair, 

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 908 (Solache), a bill that would ensure school districts prioritize the education and well-being of LGBTQ+ pupils by requiring a state priority in their local control and accountability plans (LCAP) that describes the school district’s implementation of supportive policies and initiatives for LGBTQ+ pupils. 

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.  

Schools are essential public institutions that support youth in their social and emotional learning. However, disparities in school connectedness pose a significant risk factor for developing mental health and substance use challenges.[1] A recent study by UCLA’s Williams Institute also found that 10% of public middle and high school students identify as LGBTQ+ in California. These students reported lower levels of school connectedness compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.[2] By requiring school districts to describe their implementation of support services for LGBTQ+ youth in their local control and accountability plans, schools can easily identify where the gaps in support are and efficiently address the lack of support or services provided to LGBTQ+ youth.

By requiring school districts to document these efforts, AB 908 will help ensure LGBTQ+ students receive the support they need and prevent behavioral health challenges from developing. For these reasons, we support AB 908 (Solache). If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Substance use among youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

[2] Choi, S.K. Baams, L., & Wilson, B.D.M.  (2017). LGBTQ Youth in California’s Public Schools: Differences across the State. Los Angeles: The Williams Institute  

AB 727 (GONZÁLEZ) Pupil Identification Cards – Support

March 24th, 2025 

The Honorable Al Muratsuchi 
Chair, Assembly Education Committee    
1020 N Street, Room 159   
Sacramento, CA 95814  

Re: LIVE Support for AB 727 (González)

Dear Chair,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 727 (González), legislation that would require schools and institutions of higher education to provide the Trevor Project’s suicide hotline and text line on their students’ identification cards. This bill also provides statewide resources if youth and their families have faced school-based discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

LIVE is a program of changemakers that celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and creates a more inclusive world where LGBTQ+ community members can live authentically. LIVE creates positive change by uplifting and empowering individuals to bolster their voices in policy, stigma reduction and unifying community. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood. 

Suicide among transgender youth increased by 72% between 2018 and 2022, according to a Trevor Project report. This alarming rise is linked to the enactment of anti-transgender laws in 19 states, which have restricted access to gender-affirming medical care, bathroom use, and participation in school activities.[1] As trans lives continue to be lost and at risk, California must step up to provide access to immediate support to trans youth.

AB 727 provides readily accessible suicide prevention support and holds California accountable for providing resources to LGBTQ+ youth and families facing discrimination. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports AB 727 (González) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide assistance on this bill or any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at agaribaymena@mhac.org or our Public Policy Coordinator, Danny Thirakul, at dthirakul@mhac.org.

In Community,

Anthony Garibay-Mena
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment
Project Manager

[1] News, T. (2025, February 11). Anti-transgender laws cause up to 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth, study shows. The Trevor Project.  

AB 727 (GONZÁLEZ) Pupil Identification Cards – Support

March 24th, 2025

The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Chair, Assembly Education Committee   
1020 N Street, Room 159  
Sacramento, CA 95814 

RE: Support for Assembly Bill 727 (González)

Dear Chair, 

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 727 (González), legislation that would require schools and institutions of higher education to provide the Trevor Project’s suicide hotline and text line on their students’ identification cards.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network, comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members, that engages, empowers, and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since 2006, CAYEN has actively worked to empower TAY and drive meaningful change in public policy, particularly in increasing access to vital mental health supports.

This bill improves timely access to crisis support and culturally responsive services for youth facing mental health challenges by ensuring a suicide hotline and text line is readily available to them. This will help reduce information barriers and empower them to take control of their health and wellness. For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 727 (González) and asks you to vote “Aye.” If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul

California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

AB 1429 (BAINS) Kaiser Behavioral Health Reimbursement – Support

April 4th, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for AB 1429 (Bains)

Dear Chair Bonta,   

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 1429 (Bains), legislation that would require Kaiser to reimburse enrollees for out of network behavioral health services, including prescription medication.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy.   

Since 2011, Kaiser Permanente has consistently failed to provide its enrollees access to timely and adequate behavioral health care services. The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) just released a Final Report of Nonroutine Survey of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and found that Kaiser failed to provide timely access to behavioral health services, failed to take effective corrective action to improve care in response to grievance and appeal deficiencies, and lacked quality assurance and oversight.[1]

Due to Kaiser’s consistent failure to meet the standards set by state law, patients must accept inadequate care or seek out-of-network care when Kaiser’s care falls short. AB 1429 would rectify this by requiring Kaiser to fully reimburse an enrollee for out-of-pocket costs for necessary behavioral health care obtained from non-Kaiser providers or facilities and mental health prescriptions obtained from a non-Kaiser pharmacy or provider. This reimbursement would be required until DMHC certifies that Kaiser has successfully completed implementation of their corrective action work plan.

In short, AB 1429 ensures that Kaiser patients do not have to choose between the inability to access critical mental health services or be forced to pay out of pocket for care they already pay Kaiser for. It places the financial responsibility where it belongs – with the health plan that has repeatedly failed to meet its legal obligations to provide adequate care.

It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 1429 (Bains) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org. 

In Community,   

Heidi L. Strunk   
President & CEO 

[1] OFFICE OF PLAN MONITORING DIVISION OF PLAN SURVEYS. (2025, February 25). FINAL REPORT NONROUTINE SURVEY OF KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. California Department of Managed Health Care.

AB 0579 (CASTILLO) Yaeli’s Law – Oppose

March 24th, 2025

The Honorable Ash Kalra
Chair, Assembly Judiciary Committee 
1020 N Street, Room 104
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Opposition to Assembly Bill 579 (Castillo)

Dear Chair, 

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 579 (Castillo), legislation that puts transgender youth at greater risk of potential child abuse and neglect by changing statute to explicitly state that misgendering a child or denying them gender-affirming medical care are not forms of child abuse or neglect.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network, comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members, that engages, empowers, and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has actively worked to empower TAY and drive meaningful change in public policy.  Youth deserve to live as their authentic selves and should not be subjected to neglect and abuse impacting their overall health and wellness.

As a TAY-led network run for and by TAY, public policy solutions that address the needs of youth are most effective when youth voices are at the center of decision-making, especially when policies directly impact them. CAYEN has led successful statewide policy campaigns on mental health education, the Office of Suicide Prevention, and substance use harm reduction, all developed and driven by youth leadership.[1] In contrast, AB 579 disregards the voices of transgender youth, ignoring their right to exist safely and potentially exposing them to continued neglect and abuse from individuals who should be supporting and caring for them.

A 2022 report from The Trevor Project found that suicide attempts among transgender youth increased by 72% between 2018 and 2022. This alarming rise is linked to the growing wave of anti-transgender laws in 19 states, restricting access to gender-affirming care, bathroom use, and school participation.[2] AB 579 would disregard a youth’s identity. As a result, transgender youth will suffer serious harm, facing a significant risk of experiencing a mental health crisis and suicide.

Transgender youth are asking to be recognized and supported in safe environments that affirm their identity. For these reasons, CAYEN must oppose AB 579 (Castillo) and ask you to vote “No.” If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

[1] California Youth Empowerment Network. (2024). Advocacy Across California.

[2] News, T. (2025, February 11). Anti-transgender laws cause up to 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth, study shows. The Trevor Project.  

AB 0416 (KRELL) Expanding 5150 Involuntary Hold Eligibility – Oppose

March 24th, 2025

The Honorable Caroline Menjivar
Senate Health Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3310
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: MHAC Opposition to Assembly Bill 416 (Krell)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California is writing to oppose Assembly Bill 416 (Krell), legislation which expands eligibility of people who can place individuals on a 5150 involuntary hold to an emergency physician.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy. If an individual is experiencing a mental health emergency, only those with the appropriate expertise and resources should have the authority to write a 5150 hold.

Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code currently designates who can initiate a 5150 involuntary hold, such as individuals working at county-designated facilities, peace officers, or specific county-designated individuals. AB 416 seeks to reduce the number of individuals with mental health disabilities who are held in Emergency Departments by allowing emergency physicians to initiate a 5150 hold. However, these physicians may not have the appropriate licensure, practice discipline, or clinical experience necessary to properly assess and write a hold. While Emergency Departments are often the entry point for many who experience a mental health crisis, they are not always equipped to provide mental healthcare.

Furthermore, current statute already provides a pathway for an emergency physician to become county designated. There is no justification for a blanket designation to professionals who may not have the proper qualifications, and who are not working in county-designated facilities where they cannot provide appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Lastly, our behavioral health system should aim at reducing the number of 5150 holds being placed on individuals. Crisis mobile teams are an effective community-based intervention designed to provide 24/7 de-escalation and relief to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis wherever they are, including at home, work, school, or in the community. This strategy is instrumental in providing ongoing support and services and reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement and emergency department utilization.

Expanding who can write a 5150 hold does not equate to more effective mental health services and should not be used as a justification to reduce emergency room overcrowding. Instead, investing in strategies that prevent crises, reduce emergency department utilization, and avoid placing a 5150 hold are more effective, person-centered approaches that help reduce systemic burdens. For these reasons MHAC opposes AB 416 (Krell) and asks for your “No” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

In Community, 

Heidi L. Strunk 
President & CEO

AB 309 (ZBUR) Hypodermic Needles and Syringes – Support

March 24th, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta 
Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: LIVE Support for Assembly Bill 309 (Zbur)

Dear Chair, 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support AB 309 (Zbur), legislation that would allow a physician or pharmacist to continue providing clean and safe hypodermic needles and syringes to individuals 18 years or older without a prescription or permit.

LIVE is a program of changemakers that celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and creates a more inclusive world where LGBTQ+ community members can live authentically. LIVE creates positive change by uplifting and empowering individuals to bolster their voices in policy, stigma reduction and unifying community. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.   

The Addiction Center reports that 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ+ community struggles with substance misuse, a significantly higher rate than the 9% seen in the general population. Among the most misused substances is heroin, which ranks among the top five.[1] Recovering from a substance use disorder is a journey, often nonlinear, with progress and setbacks. Individuals who use substances requiring hypodermic needles face numerous challenges and should not be further harmed while working towards recovery. Access to clean syringes is a proven harm reduction strategy that prevents the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases, ultimately improving public health and safety.[2]  The distribution of safe and clean needles and syringes ensures that if individuals experience a setback in their recovery the harm done to them is minimized.

This bill is a critical step toward reducing preventable harm and protecting community health. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports AB 309 (Zbur) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide assistance on this bill or any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at agaribaymena@mhac.org or our Public Policy Coordinator, Danny Thirakul, at dthirakul@mhac.org.  

In Community,  

Anthony Garibay-Mena 
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment 
Program Manager 

[1] Pottle, Z. (2025, February 24). LGBTQ+ and addiction. Addiction Center.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Syringe Services Programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

AB 309 (ZBUR) Hypodermic Needles and Syringes – Support

March 24th, 2025 

The Honorable Mia Bonta  
Assembly Health Committee 
1020 N Street, Room 390 
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: MHAC Support for Assembly Bill 309 (Zbur)

Dear Chair,   

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 309 (Zbur), legislation that would allow a physician or pharmacist to continue providing clean and safe hypodermic needles and syringes to individuals 18 years or older without a prescription or permit.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy. MHAC recognizes the importance of harm reduction strategies that support individuals on their path to recovery while safeguarding public health.

Recovering from a substance use disorder is a journey, often nonlinear, with progress and setbacks. Individuals who use substances requiring hypodermic needles face numerous challenges and should not be further harmed while working towards recovery. Access to clean syringes is a proven harm reduction strategy that prevents the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases, ultimately improving public health and safety.[1] The distribution of safe and clean needles and syringes ensures that if individuals experience a setback in their recovery the harm done to them is minimized.

This bill is a critical step toward reducing preventable harm and protecting community health. It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 309 (Zbur) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org. 

In Community,   

Heidi L. Strunk   
President & CEO 

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Syringe Services Programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

AB 309 (ZBUR) Hypodermic Needles and Syringes – Support

March 24th, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for Assembly Bill 309 (Zbur)

Dear Chair,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 309 (Zbur), legislation that would allow a physician or pharmacist to continue providing hypodermic needles and syringes to individuals 18 years or older without a prescription or permit.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.  As CAYEN champions the mental health and well-being of TAY, it is essential to address the specific challenges faced by youth in recovery from substance use disorders.

Youth who use substances requiring hypodermic needles face numerous challenges and should not be further harmed while working towards recovery. Access to clean syringes is a proven harm reduction strategy that prevents the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases, ultimately improving public health and safety.[1] The distribution of safe and clean needles and syringes ensures that youth in recovery can stay safer and healthier, even if they face setbacks.

This bill is a critical step toward reducing preventable harm and protecting community health. For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 309 (Zbur) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 

California Youth Empowerment Network 

Public Policy Coordinator 

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Syringe Services Programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

AB 0843 (GARCIA) Language Access to Health Care Coverage – Support

March 14, 2025

The Honorable Mia Bonta 
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: MHAC Support for Assembly Bill 843 (Garcia)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is writing in support of Assembly Bill 843 (Garcia), legislation aimed at reducing barriers to healthcare access for individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill would require health plans and insurers to provide language-accessible documents and translation services, ensuring that all individuals can effectively navigate the healthcare systems and receive the services they need.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy. Due to language barriers, English language learners have significant barriers accessing voluntary community-based services.

Limited English proficiency contributes to the growing mental health disparities among Asian and Latino populations.[1] The inability to communicate effectively prohibits understanding of cultural behaviors and values, leading to unmet needs and discourages them from seeking help. Without proper accommodations to address language barriers, these disparities will continue to widen, preventing underserved populations from accessing voluntary mental health and substance use services.

This bill directly addresses the language barrier by requiring health plans and insurers to take responsibility for properly informing their enrollees. They must provide translation services and translated documents to ensure that language is not an obstacle to receiving care. For these reason MHAC supports Assembly Bill 843 (Garcia) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

In Community, 

Heidi L. Strunk 
President & CEO

[1] Sentell, T., Shumway, M., & Snowden, L. (2007). Access to mental health treatment by English language proficiency and race/ethnicity. Journal of general internal medicine, 22 Suppl 2(Suppl 2), 289–293.