Assembly Bill Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Mental Health America of California

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.

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.

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)

AB 0579 (CASTILLO) Yaeli’s Law – Oppose

March 14, 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,

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 579 (Castillo), 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.

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, well-being, and rights of the transgender community, especially youth, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to essential services.

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] Denying gender-affirming medical care and disregarding a child’s identity is a form of abuse and neglect. However, AB 579 would strip these protections, refusing to recognize these actions as abuse or neglect. As a result, transgender youth will suffer serious harm, facing a significant risk of experiencing a mental health crises and suicide.

It is for those reasons that LIVE must oppose Assembly Bill 579 (Castillo) 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] 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 0068 (ESSAYLI) Armed School Resource Officers – Oppose

February 26^th, 2025

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

RE: OPPOSE AB 68 (Essayli)

Dear Assemblymember Maratsuchi,

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 68 (Essayli), a bill that would require an armed resource officer on all school campuses.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of youth action teams and a youth advisory board which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental and behavioral 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 local and statewide change in public policy. On the Margins, our current youth action team in Sonoma County, is currently working on removing school resource officers off campuses and reallocating those funds to support youth mental and behavioral health services.

Armed resource officers are not a mental or behavioral health intervention strategy. They fail to provide meaningful mental or behavioral health support to youth, diverting critical funding from programs and services that are better equipped to address behavioral challenges. In addition, school disciplinary measures disproportionately impact youth of color, specifically Black and Latin(x) youth. The use of armed school resources officers would expose the same population to elevated risks of experiencing a violent and potentially deadly altercation.[1] Investments into wellness centers, peer support, and other prevention services provide better outcomes that resources officers, especially armed ones, cannot accomplish.

It is for those reasons that CAYEN must oppose this legislation and ask for your “no” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

[1] Armed School Resource Officers and the Safety of California’s Black and Latine(x) Youth: Policies and Recommendations (2024)

AB 257 (FLORA) Specialty Telehealth-Care Network

February 28, 2025

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

RE: Support for AB 257 (Flora)

Dear Chair Bonta,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 257 (Flora), legislation that would establish a telehealth and other virtual services specialty care network, designed to serve patients of safety-net providers.

AB 257 creates a network of rural health clinics, health centers, critical access hospitals, and other community health centers for the purpose of delivering tele-healthcare and other virtual services in communities that lack access. According to the California Health Care Foundation more than 67% of residents in the Central Valley, home to many rural agricultural communities, had to wait longer than reasonable for a mental health appointment in the last year.[1] In addition, more than half the residents believe their community doesn’t have enough mental health providers.

This specialty network will be instrumental to reducing mental health disparities and ensuring access to those who need it most. It is for these reasons we support AB 257 (Flora). If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other 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] KEY FINDINGS FROM THE 2024 CHCF CENTRAL VALLEY HEALTH POLICY SURVEY, California Health Care Foundation (2024)

AB 280 (AGUILAR-CURRY) Accurate Network Directories – Support

February 28, 2025

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

RE: Support for AB 280 (Aguiar-Curry)

Dear Chair Bonta,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) writes in support of AB 280 (Aguiar-Curry), a bill that would increase the accuracy of provider directories by requiring health plans to ensure 95% accurate directories by 2029 or face penalties and fines. In addition, the bill would also protect enrollees from additional costs of services incurred from out of network providers due to inaccurate directories.

California has made great strides toward expanding coverage for mental health services. This expansion requires health plans to provide an accurate network of providers that is available to enrollees. Inaccurate directories increase the time it takes for enrollees to make appointments and delay the delivery of services. Furthermore, inaccurate directories put enrollees at risk of being denied coverage and having to pay out-of-pocket costs due to receiving services from an out-of-network provider. By holding health plans accountable to provide accurate directories and shielding enrollees from potential costs associated to these inaccuracies, enrollees will be able to receive the care they deserve in a timely manner preventing potential crisis from occurring.

It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 280 (Aguiar-Curry) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other 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

AB 0020 (DEMAIO) End Housing First – Oppose

February 28, 2025

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

RE: OPPOSE AB 20 (DeMaio)

Dear Chair Bonta,

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 20 (DeMaio), a bill that would repeal and end the Housing First model. Housing First is a policy that addresses homelessness by addressing an individual’s primary social determinant of health, stable housing. This approach prioritizes housing regardless of an individual’s substance use, treatment history, or engagement in services. By providing permanent supportive housing for unhoused individuals, it ensures they have the foundation needed to address other determinants, leading to long-term positive health outcomes.

The Housing First model is successful in reducing homelessness because it recognizes housing as a foundational support in someone’s health and wellness journey. When asked about their thoughts on ending Housing First, CAYEN Board member Caleb Merril, 24, explained that “The stability that housing provided, gave me the space to breathe and begin to see what I could achieve. Without that opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to truly focus on my recovery and build the foundation I needed to grow. Housing First works because it treats housing as a right, not something conditional on being ‘ready’. Everyone deserves the chance to find stability and safety, and dismantling this model would deny countless people the opportunity to heal and thrive, just as I have.”

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

[1] HUD 2024 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs Homeless Populations and Subpopulations (2024)

AB 0020 (DEMAIO) Ending Housing First – Oppose

February 28, 2025

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

RE: Opposition to AB 20 (DeMaio)

Dear Chair Bonta,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) writes in opposition to AB 20 (DeMaio), legislation that would repeal Housing First in an attempt to end homelessness. However, Housing First is a policy model that prioritizes providing permanent supportive housing to unhoused individuals, immediately ending their homelessness regardless of if they receive services. Repealing Housing First would have the opposite effect to the legislation’s intended purpose, exacerbating homelessness rather than solving it.

Housing First plays a vital role in advancing MHAC’s mission by ensuring that housing remains a stable support for individuals in recovery, particularly for unhoused individuals facing behavioral health challenges. Many unhoused individuals experience substance use and mental health challenges while living on the streets. An analysis of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program found that 23% of unhoused Californian’s experience chronic substance abuse.[1] Housing First ensures access to permanent supportive housing by protecting individuals from housing discrimination, irrespective of their substance use, treatment history, or engagement in services. As California continues investing in resources to support our unhoused community, housing remains the most effective tool for getting people off the street. Once housed, individuals are more likely to voluntarily seek out mental and behavioral health services.

It is for these reasons MHAC must oppose AB 20 (DeMaio) and ask for your “No” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other 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] CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Report