Assembly Bill Archives - Page 6 of 9 - Mental Health America of California

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.

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.

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

AB 1842 (REYES) Medication-Assisted Treatment – Support

May 31, 2024

The Honorable Richard D. Roth
Senate Health Committee
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Room 3310
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Support for AB 1842 (Reyes) Medication-Assisted Treatment

Dear Chair Roth,

Mental Health America of California is pleased to support AB 1842 (Reyes) which would prohibit a medical service plan and a health insurer from subjecting a naloxone product or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or a buprenorphine product or long-acting injectable naltrexone for detoxification or maintenance treatment of a substance use disorder, to prior authorization or step therapy.

Prior authorization protocols and step therapy can prevent people from receiving timely access to those voluntary mental and behavioral health services. With the increase in substance use and the surge in fentanyl overdose deaths, access to naloxone and other opioid antagonists is crucial for saving lives and supporting recovery. Prior authorization and step therapy impose unnecessary barriers to these life-saving resources, which should be readily accessible to those in need.

For these reasons, we support AB 1842 (Reyes). If you have any questions or if MHAC can be of assistance on this or any other behavioral health bill, please feel free to contact me or our Public Policy Director, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

AB 2711 (Ramos) Services Before Suspensions – Support

March 18, 2024

The Honorable James C. Ramos
State Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 8310
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Support for AB 2711 (Ramos)

Dear Assemblymember Ramos:

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to sponsor AB 2711 (Ramos), legislation aimed at implementing a public health strategy to assist youth with substance use needs. This legislation prioritizes keeping youth engaged in their education, establishes a community support system, and facilitates access to behavioral health services and resources.

The I AM Collaborative, a subprogram of CAYEN, empowers LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC TAY to advocate for substance use prevention through social change campaigns and multimedia advocacy art in Sacramento and Los Angeles. The culmination of their advocacy efforts influenced the language incorporated in AB 2711. A resounding consensus among youth emphasized the significance of integrating harm reduction strategies into our spectrum of care and enhancing accessibility to behavioral health services. The current use of suspension and expulsion to address substance use is punitive in nature and is in direct conflict with what youth are asking for.

Below you’ll see testimony from youth in our program. We have removed the youth’s name to protect their identity.

“I hope to see workshops/counseling events that directly work with individuals who suffer from a substance

use disorder. I feel that viewing their situation through a lens of empathy and care provides more help to their situation than simply punishing them for indulging in something they are not allowed to. Additionally, many of my friends who do use substances have had trouble with their families and home life, so it only makes sense

to approach their situations with compassion and hope for their healing.”
– San Diego Youth, 18 years old

“My school does not discuss substance use very much or the supports in place for substance use, which does not allow students to feel safe to get support.”
– San Diego Youth, 16 years old

Currently, under California Education Code §48900, school officials possess the discretion to determine whether to suspend or expel a student for drug use and/or possession on school grounds. However, a standardized protocol for offering support to youth and addressing the root causes of their substance use is lacking. Moreover, administrative discretion has resulted in a disproportionate impact on certain demographics: more than 59 percent of drug-related suspensions involve boys, over 83 percent affect socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and approximately 82 percent involve youth of color.[1] These suspensions deprive youth of valuable instructional time, thereby heightening the risk of academic disengagement, dropout, and involvement in the juvenile justice system.[2] Education policies such as these predicated on the belief that abstinence works have failed to provide the youth the proper services and supports.

AB 2711 would require schools to use a public health framework before employing suspension and expulsion policies. By implementing this approach, this bill will help stem drug use and addiction, ensuring all students receive the help they want and need, remain in school, graduate, and thrive. For these reasons, we support AB 2711. 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.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul

Public Policy Coordinator

[1] Children Now Analysis of California Department of Education Suspension and Expulsion Data, 2021-22.

[2] The Civil Rights Project 2018

AB 2711 (Ramos) Request for Signature

September 9^th 2024

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Request for Signature: Assembly Bill 2711 (Ramos)

Dear Governor Newsom,

We, the undersigned organizations, respectfully request your signature on AB 2711 (Ramos), legislation aimed at increasing access to behavioral health services and support for youth facing substance use challenges. This bill seeks to prohibit the suspension of students who voluntarily disclose their use of a controlled substance, alcohol, or any intoxicant to seek help.

By 11th grade, nearly a quarter of California teens actively use alcohol and drugs. The substances most abused by youth are alcohol and marijuana, which have lasting harmful effects. Alcohol use during adolescence increases the likelihood of alcohol dependence in adulthood, and excessive alcohol consumption can have long-term health consequences including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Marijuana use is linked to adverse health effects such as respiratory problems, anxiety attacks, cognitive difficulties, coordination loss, and poor academic performance.

Unfortunately, under current California Education Code, there are no protections for youth who seek help for drug use to be protected from suspensions and/or expulsions once they disclose. The California Youth Empowerment Network surveyed California youth ages 15 to 26 and found that 55% have been prevented from or punished for attempting to seek help with their alcohol, tobacco, or substance use. Among those, 43% of youth cited fear of getting in trouble or fear of classmates’ opinions as a reason for not seeking help, 42% indicated a lack of support at home or school, 14% reported their school had little to no services available, and 9% were unaware of any services at all.

By removing the consequence of suspension, we hope to encourage more students to speak to school officials about their struggles. This bill would allow students to disclose their use of a controlled substance, alcohol, or intoxicant to seek help through services or support without the fear of suspension solely for that disclosure. By implementing this approach, AB 2711 (Ramos) will help reduce drug use and addiction, ensuring all students receive the help they need, remain in school, graduate, and thrive. For these reasons, we support AB 2711 (Ramos) and ask for your signature.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul Public Policy Coordinator California Youth Empowerment Network	Heidi Strunk President and CEO Mental Health America of California
Karen Vicari Director of Public Policy L.I.V.E	Gregory Cramer Senior Legislative Advocate Disability Rights California
Deborah Starkey Chairperson California Behavioral Health Planning Council	Lynn Rivas Executive Director California Association for Mental Health Peer Run Organizations
Angelica Garcia-Guerrero Deputy Director of Operations Project Return Peer Support Network	Gabrielle Tilley Associate Director of Policy and Partnerships The L.A. Trust for Children’s Health
Carmen-Nicole Cox Director of Government Affairs ACLU California Action	Dana Paycao Senior Policy Coordinator National Center for Youth Law
Stacie Hiramoto Director Racial & Ethnic Mental Health Disparities Coalition	Clare Cortright Policy Director Cal Voices
Sandy Rives LEAD Coordinator Transitions Mental Health Association	Nazeehah Khan Policy Director Californians for Justice
Isabella D’Alacio Senior Policy Associate Voices for Progress	Imari S Nuyen-Kariotis President California Peer Watch
Damon Johnson Executive Director Black Men Speak, Inc.	April Smith Community Manager Resiliency in the Valley
Mira Green LEAD Coordinator Assistant Lived Experience Advocacy Development	Daniela Dominguez Founder & Chief Executive Officer On the Margins
Jose Ramos Founder/President Impulse Group/AIDS Healthcare Foundation	Steve Kang Director of External Affairs Koreatown Youth & Community Center (KYCC)
Emily Wu Truong Peer Programs Facilitator NAMI Glendale

AB 2711 (RAMOS) CAYEN Co-Sponsor – Support

August 16, 2024

The Honorable Josh Newman
Chair, Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Co-Sponsor Support for Assembly Bill 2711 (Ramos)

Dear Senator Newman,

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is proud to co-sponsor AB 2711 (Ramos), legislation designed to increase access to behavioral health services and support for youth facing substance use challenges. This bill aims to protect students who voluntarily disclose their use of controlled substances, alcohol, or any intoxicant to seek help by prohibiting their suspension for such disclosures.

CAYEN is a youth-led, statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and Board members that engages, empowers, and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues directly impacting them. Since its inception in 2006, CAYEN has been at the forefront of empowering TAY in their personal lives and driving progressive change in public policy. We are committed to addressing the issue of substance use among youth and the profound impact our education system has on providing a safe and supportive environment to facilitate access to care.

By the 11th grade, nearly a quarter of California teens actively use alcohol and drugs, with alcohol and marijuana being the most commonly abused substances. The long-term effects of these substances are significant, ranging from increased risk of dependence in adulthood to serious health conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive difficulties.

Currently, California Education Code lacks protections for youth who seek help for substance use. Our statewide survey of California youth ages 15 to 26 revealed that 55% reported being prevented from or punished for attempting to seek help with their alcohol, tobacco, or substance use. Among those respondents, 43% cited fear of getting in trouble or being judged by classmates as a deterrent, 42% indicated a lack of support at home or school, 14% noted their school had limited or no services available, and 9% were unaware of any available services.

By removing the threat of suspension, AB 2711 (Ramos) aims to create a safer environment for students to seek assistance from school officials. This bill allows students to disclose their substance use and seek help without fear of suspension, ultimately helping to reduce drug use and addiction. Ensuring students receive the help they need will contribute to higher graduation rates and better long-term outcomes. For these reasons, we strongly support AB 2711 (Ramos). If CAYEN can assist with this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please feel free to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
Public Policy Coordinator