Position Category: Assembly Bill

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 26th, 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.

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. Californians in rural communities have the most difficulties accessing behavioral health care, which contributes to California’s growing health disparities.

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.

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. The accuracy of network provider directories is essential to receiving timely access to the mental and behavioral health services enrollees want and need.

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.

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. This includes advocating for housing supports for the over 9,000 unaccompanied unhoused youth in California.[1]

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.”

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] 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.

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.

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

AB 0641 (GONZALEZ) Drug-Induced Movement Disorder Awareness Program – Support

February 28, 2025

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

Re: Support for Assembly Bill 641 (Gonzalez)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 641 (Gonzalez), legislation that when funds are appropriated would direct the Depart of Public Health to develop a drug-induced movement disorder awareness program. Drug-induced movement disorders, such as Tardive Dyskinesia, are the result of long-term use of antipsychotic medication for serious mental illness and results in the involuntary and repetitive movement of the face, toros, and/or other body parts.

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.

Among the various choices individuals have for addressing their mental and or behavioral health challenges, taking antipsychotic medication is one option. However, taking antipsychotics comes with its own symptoms and risks, a drug-induced movement disorder being one of them. Due to a lack of awareness and the unpredictability of developing such a disorder, many individuals may not recognize the symptoms or know when to consult their healthcare provider. While the severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe, a drug-induced movement disorder can have lifelong mental and physical impacts, adding to the challenges of managing one’s mental health.

By raising awareness about drug-induced movement disorders, California can ensure that individuals who choose to take antipsychotic medication are well prepared to manage the potential risks. For these reason MHAC supports AB 641 (Gonzalez) 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 255 (HANEY) The Supportive-Recovery Residence Program – Support

February 28, 2025

The Honorable Matt Haney
Chair, Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development
1020 N Street, Room 156
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: MHAC Support for AB 255 (Haney)

Dear Chair Haney,

Mental Health America of California is writing to express our support of AB 255 (Haney), legislation that would authorize state programs to fund supportive-recovery residences with an emphasis on abstinence.  

MHAC is a peer-run organization that has been 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.

For individuals in recovery who secure permanent supportive housing, many prefer the option of living in a drug and alcohol-free environment. Under the current Housing First model, state-funded housing programs cannot deny housing solely based on drug or alcohol use unless other violations occur. This bill would authorize up to 25% of a county’s total permanent supportive housing inventory to offer a drug- and alcohol-free environment for those who voluntarily choose it. If participation in a supportive recovery residence remains a voluntary choice and is not the individual’s only available housing option, this bill would align with the Housing First model and supports MHAC mission to increase access to essential supports and services.

By respecting an individual’s right to self-determination in choosing the housing environment that best supports their recovery journey, this bill promotes a person-centered approach to care. For these reason MHAC supports AB 255 (Haney) 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

AB 3221 (PELLERIN) DMHC Records Enforcement – Support

March 29, 2024

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

Re: AB 3221 (Pellerin) – SUPPORT

Dear Chair Bonta:

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is writing to express our support of AB 3221 (Pellerin) which will allow the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) to take enforcement action more swiftly and more efficiently when health plans violate the law.

The California Youth Empowerment Network (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. One such way is to change our environment and the systems in which we operate, as they inadvertently and sometimes intentionally hinder TAY from accessing the services and supports they require and desire.

Too often, consumers, especially our youth, don’t receive the behavioral health care they need—and that they have paid for—in the timely and appropriate manner they are entitled to under the law. California has been at the forefront of passing groundbreaking behavioral health parity (SB 855) and timely access laws (SB 221), which could alleviate this crisis if the Department of Managed Health Care were empowered to take faster, stronger, and more efficient action.

Under The Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan of 1975, health care service plans are required to keep their books, records and papers open for inspection by the DMHC director.  DMHC is required to conduct periodic on-site medical surveys, publicly report results, and issue final reports after public review. They must also conduct follow-up reviews to evaluate a health plan’s efforts to correct deficiencies. But several of the provisions are outdated, ineffective, or both. Records are not provided electronically, which delays and costs the department, and penalties are not required for failure to provide full records promptly. Additionally, when DMHC seeks approval for actions on behalf of consumers, they are required to go to Superior Court, which is overburdening and less efficient than administrative law judges.

AB 3221 will allow DMHC to request that health plan records be furnished electronically, making those records faster to receive and easier to review. It will allow DMHC to seek relief on patients’ behalf through an administrative hearing rather than the slower and more burdensome Superior Court hearing process and empower DMHC’s director to take disciplinary action when a health plan fails to respond to a request for records fully or in a timely manner.

These common-sense changes will allow DMHC to take important enforcement actions more quickly and efficiently, improving compliance with the groundbreaking behavioral health parity and timely access laws California recently enacted. For these reasons, we support AB 3221 (Pellerin), and we respectfully request an “AYE” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide any assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org.

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
Public Policy Coordinator

AB 1991 (BONTA) Licensee and Registrant Records – Support

June 3, 2024

The Honorable Angelique Ashby
Chair, Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3320
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Support for AB 1991 (Bonta)

Dear Chair,

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 1991 (Bonta), legislation which would require certain boards that regulate healing arts licensees or registrants to collect workforce data.

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. However, the behavioral health workforce shortage in California is a major barrier preventing people from receiving adequate care in a timely manner. 

This bill will help the state address workforce needs by collecting accurate data such as a licensee’s or registrant’s type of employer (i.e. clinic, hospital, managed care organization, or private practice) and anticipated year of retirement. This information can help guide behavioral health workforces’ investments and the efficient use of current available staff. For this reason, we support AB 1991(Bonta) and ask for your “aye” vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Public Policy Director, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO