Assembly Bill Archives - Mental Health America of California

AB 0579 (CASTILLO) Yaeli’s Law – Oppose

March 24^th, 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 24^th, 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 24^th, 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.

AB 1084 (ZBUR) Change of Name, Gender, and Sex Identifier – Support

March 14^th, 2025

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

Re: Support for Assembly Bill 1084 (Zbur)

Dear Chair,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) strongly supports Assembly Bill 1084 (Zbur), legislation that would streamline court proceedings so that individuals can petition for name change and gender markers to align with their gender identity.

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. The transgender community has a right to exist as they are, yet legal documents using their deadname and non-affirming gender markers, exposes them to potential discrimination.

Transgender individuals often face significant barriers when applying for essential services due to discrepancies between their gender identity and the name and gender marker on their identification documents.[1] Without proper documentation, they may experience discrimination, stigma, and harassment when seeking housing, employment, or education, as well as inadequate access to healthcare. The ability to present identification with a name and gender marker that align with one’s gender identity reduces the risk of discrimination and harassment while also allowing individuals to fully live as their authentic selves.

This bill establishes a streamlined process for updating name and gender markers on identification documents, making it more efficient for transgender individuals to obtain necessary documentation and access essential services and resources more quickly. It is for these reasons that LIVE supports Assembly Bill 1084 (Zbur) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide assistance on this bill or any other LGBTQ+ legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at agaribaymena@mhac.org.

In Community,

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

[1] Understanding the transgender community. Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.)

AB 0529 (AHRENS) Pharmacy Declared State of Emergency – Support

March 14, 2025

The Honorable Marc Berman
Chair, Assembly Committee on Business and Professions
1020 N Street, Room 379
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: MHAC Support for AB 529 (Ahrens)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California is writing in support of AB 529 (Ahrens), legislation that would allow the California State Board of Pharmacy to waive provisions of the Pharmacy Law for up to 120 days instead of 90 days after the end of a declared federal, state, or local state of emergency. This would allow mobile pharmacies or clinics to continue severing impacted areas and ensure continuity of services.

A state of emergency can arise in various forms, including epidemics, power outages, extreme weather, and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and wildfires. During such emergencies the availability of resources and public services become scarce, such as access to healthcare services and medication. During times of great stress, Individuals may develop, or experience heightened, mental health challenges increasing the need for these vital services.

While the Board of Pharmacy may currently waive provisions of the pharmacy law for up to 90 days after the end of a state of emergency to allow mobile clinics and pharmacies to operate, it can take more than 90 days to rebuild a community and for any sense of normalcy to return. This bill would allow for an additional 30 days for a total of 120 days expanding access to care and medications as communities transition from crisis intervention to rehabilitation.

For these reason MHAC supports AB 529 (Ahrens) 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

AB 0908 (SOLACHE) LGBT+ Inclusion in LCAP – Oppose

March 14, 2025

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

RE: Opposition to Assembly Bill 908 (Solache)

Dear Chair,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) 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.

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 Institiute also found that hat 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] This bill provides a path forward to ensure school are held accountable in addressing the educational and health needs of LGBTQ youth.

It is for those reasons that LIVE supports AB 908 (Solache). 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] 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 0089 (SANCHEZ) Gender Equity in Sports – Oppose

March 14^th, 2025

The Honorable Christopher M. Ward
Chair, Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, & Tourism
1020 N Street, Suite 152
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Opposition to Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez)

Dear Chair,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez), a bill that would ban trans woman from competing in interscholastic sports team. This bill discriminates against and exposes the trans and cis-gendered community to inhumane and unfair treatment.

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.

Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez) poses an existential threat to the transgender community by denying their participation in sports. This bill not only prevents transgender individuals from participating but also deprives them of the benefits that come from sports involvement, such as developing leadership skills, team-building, improved academic outcomes, and a sense of community.

In addition, this bill poses many concerns around implementation. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)[1], a trans ban could potentially force the trans and cisgendered youth to undergo invasive, traumatic, expensive, and age-inappropriate testing to examine internal or external genitalia. This could include but is not limited to DNA testing, bloodwork for hormone levels, and other unscientific tests for gender. Anyone accused or stereotyped could also be subjected to testing and or be forced to relay sensitive and protected health information. Furthermore, testing alone would subject individuals to potential harassment or bullying regardless of the outcomes of testing.

Participation in school sports offers numerous academic, social, physical, mental, and behavioral benefits. Transgender youth should not be excluded from these opportunities, which are critical for their development and well-being. It is for those reasons that LIVE must oppose Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez) and ask for your “no” 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] Human Rights Campaign (2025)