Bill
AB 1832
AB 1832 would formalize California’s 2-1-1 system with a dedicated fund, statewide coordination, multilingual access, improved data dashboards, and integrated emergency planning.
Purpose and intent
- AB 1832, introduced by Assembly Member Ransom, would strengthen and formalize California’s 2-1-1 information and referral system as a critical part of state emergency planning and ongoing community support.
- It creates a dedicated funding mechanism and requires coordination among state emergency planning agencies, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and its 2-1-1 lead entity, Cal OES, and 2-1-1 providers to ensure year-round access and disaster readiness.
Key provisions and changes
- Establishes governance and integration:
- Requires PUC and Cal OES to convene state emergency planning agencies and the 2-1-1 lead entity to:
- Create and maintain communication channels between state agencies, the 2-1-1 lead entity, and 2-1-1 providers.
- Integrate 2-1-1 into state emergency planning and emergency communication processes.
- System improvements and capacity:
- State support for 2-1-1 providers to improve capacity and service quality, including:
- Staffing for 2-1-1 contacts, training, supervision, and quality assurance.
- Consistent data collection and reporting.
- Multilingual and multichannel access via modern technology.
- Ensure equitable statewide access by closing coverage gaps.
- Publish a statewide 2-1-1 community needs data dashboard for state agencies to identify needs and allocate resources efficiently.
- Strengthen and share resource databases with state agencies, health systems, and partners to reduce redundancies.
- Develop aligned systems with 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 to direct people to appropriate resources.
- Public education and outreach to raise awareness of 2-1-1.
- Enhance disaster readiness, including:
- Local and statewide 2-1-1 emergency operations plans.
- Infrastructure updates and training for disaster response and mutual aid.
- Collaboration with counties, cities, community-based organizations, and voluntary organizations.
- Emergency funding for 2-1-1 disaster activation when local/philanthropic funding is insufficient.
- 2-1-1 lead entity responsibilities:
- The appointed 2-1-1 lead entity must:
- Conduct statewide 2-1-1 activities.
- Provide funding to local 2-1-1 providers when available.
- Submit annual status reports to the PUC and Cal OES detailing funds used and future needs.
- Funding and fiscal framework:
- Establishes the 2-1-1 Fund in the State Treasury to support these activities, contingent on legislative appropriation.
- The PUC and lead entity must annually communicate funding needs to the Department of Finance and the Governor’s Office for budget planning.
- Additional coordination and performance measures:
- The bill directs a review of utility financial assistance, savings, and discount programs to better connect eligible households with utility-related aid via 2-1-1.
- Reimbursement statement:
- Contains no-mandate language: no state reimbursement is required for local agencies for costs arising from this act, per California constitutional provisions.
Affected parties and scope
- State agencies: PUC, Cal OES, Department of Finance, Governor’s Office, and other emergency planning entities.
- 2-1-1 lead entity (appointed by the PUC) and local 2-1-1 providers.
- General public, especially individuals seeking non-emergency information and disaster-related resources, with emphasis on multilingual and accessible service.
- Utilities and utilities customers, through expanded access to utility financial assistance and related programs via 2-1-1.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Legislative status: Re-referred to Assembly Appropriations (as of the latest action). Bill has been amended and moved through committees, with standard reporting requirements.
- Implementation: The bill would create a dedicated 2-1-1 Fund in the State Treasury and require ongoing annual reporting; funding decisions depend on future budget appropriations.
- Effective date: The bill text does not specify an immediate effective date beyond passage and signing; implementation would align with budget cycles and the funding mechanism.
Notes for readers
- AB 1832 emphasizes integration of 2-1-1 into broader emergency response and disaster planning, aiming to improve accessibility, data-driven resource allocation, and coordination among state entities and local providers.
- The funding mechanism (the 2-1-1 Fund) is contingent on legislative appropriation, making ongoing budget priorities a key factor for full execution.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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