Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills aimed at improving the lives of Californians with disabilities. The legislation seeks to enhance support systems, increase transparency, and provide more opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“When we say ‘California for ALL,’ we mean every single person in this state should be able to thrive – and that includes those with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. I’m proud to continue our historic actions to protect vulnerable students, improve statewide supports, and strengthen future opportunities for the disabled community,” said Governor Newsom.

The new laws build on six years of efforts to make California more accessible. Investments and reforms will focus on areas such as dyslexia detection, special education services, higher education access, housing options, healthcare affordability, home care services, public safety practices, and civil rights protections.

A key priority has been supporting the 400,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome and autism. In January, a Master Plan for Developmental Services was announced to modernize the system. Public meetings are ongoing, with a framework expected in March 2025. This week also saw the launch of the first Comprehensive Dashboard by the Department of Developmental Services. Starting January 1, 2025, rates paid to service providers will increase alongside the initiation of a quality incentive program.

The legislation includes several notable measures:

- Regional centers providing support services will now be subject to the Public Records Act to enhance transparency and accountability.

- Max Benson’s Law prohibits prone restraint in all California schools to protect student safety.

- Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will begin planning post-secondary goals earlier than before.

Additional legislation includes:

- SB 445 by Senator Anthony Portantino – Special education: standardized individualized education program template: translation.

- SB 483 by Senator Dave Cortese – Pupil rights: prone restraint.

- SB 939 by Senator Tom Umberg – Educational equity: school site and community resources: neurodivergent pupils.

- SB 1001 by Senator Nancy Skinner – Death penalty: intellectually disabled persons.

- SB 1197 by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil – In-home respite services for families caring for children with an intellectual or developmental disability.

- AB 438 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio – Pupils with exceptional needs: individualized education programs: postsecondary goals and transition services.

- AB 1147 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis – Disability Equity, Transparency, and Accountability Act of 2024.

- AB 1938 by Assemblymember James Gallagher – Special education: inclusion and universal design for learning.

- AB 2423 by Assemblymember Devon Mathis – Developmental services: rates.

- AB 2821 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson – Postsecondary education: students with disabilities.

Previously signed bills include:

- AB 1885 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis – Student Success Completion Grant program.

- AB 1906 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson – California Law Revision Commission: persons with disabilities: terminology.

- AB 2173 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis – Special education: emotional disability.

- AB 2541 by Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains — Peace officer training: wandering.

- AB 3291 by the Committee on Human Services – Developmental services.