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Bill

SB 969

Weights and measures: electric vehicle fueling systems.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jacqui Irwin and 2 co-sponsors

Allows and regulates remote developmental services to improve access and continuity of care across geographic or transportation barriers.

From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
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Bill Summary · SB 969

Summary: SB 969 (California) — Developmental Services: Remote Services

Overview

SB 969 is a California Senate bill addressing the delivery of developmental services via remote (telehealth/virtual) modalities. The bill appears to aim at expanding or clarifying how remote services for individuals with developmental disabilities can be provided, including regulatory, funding, and accountability considerations. The measures progressed through committee and floor actions in 2026, with final passage in the Senate and referral to the Assembly.

Co-Sponsor: Eloise Reyes

Purpose and Intent

  • To facilitate and regulate the provision of developmental services remotely, ensuring continuity of care for individuals who require developmental supports.
  • To establish standards, protections, and administrative guidelines for remote delivery, potentially including eligibility, oversight, and performance expectations.

Key Provisions and Changes (as reflected in bill actions)

Note: The detailed text of the provisions is not provided here; this summary is based on typical content for bills of this scope and the bill’s procedural history.

  • Authorization of Remote Services:
    • Permits the provision of developmental services (e.g., case management, therapy, habilitation, or related supports) via remote modalities when appropriate and beneficial for clients.
  • Regulatory Standards:
    • Establishes guidelines on when remote services may be used, ensuring service quality, privacy, and security in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
    • Addresses licensure, credentialing, or qualifications of providers delivering remote services.
  • Funding and Reimbursement:
    • Creates or clarifies funding mechanisms, reimbursement rates, or requirements for providers delivering remote services, potentially aligning with existing in-person service funding.
  • Access and Equity:
    • Aims to reduce barriers to access, including for individuals in rural or underserved areas, or those with transportation challenges.
  • Documentation and Compliance:
    • Specifies recordkeeping, consent, and informed choice procedures for remote service delivery.
    • Imposes reporting or audit requirements to ensure program integrity.
  • Privacy and Security:
    • Sets privacy standards for remote communication (e.g., confidentiality, data protection) consistent with HIPAA and state privacy laws.
  • Timeline and Implementation:
    • Outlines effective dates, phased implementation if applicable, and reporting milestones to monitor program rollout.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals receiving developmental services and supports under California programs (e.g., developmental disabilities services programs, regional centers).
  • Providers of developmental services, including therapeutic, habilitative, case management, and related professionals.
  • Public agencies and departments overseeing developmental services and Medicaid/California-funded care (e.g., state Department of Developmental Services or equivalent entities, and payer sources).
  • Stakeholders in rural or underserved communities who may benefit from expanded remote options.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral:
    • Introduced in February 2026; assigned to relevant committees (HUMAN S, possibly APPR later).
  • Committee Actions:
    • Substantiated through multiple committee hearings; amended and re-referred at least once.
    • Passed committee with all members voting in favor (as per interim record: “Ayes 5. Noes 0”).
  • Floor Action:
    • Senate: Read third time and passed with unanimous or near-unanimous support (Ayes 37, Noes 0) on 2026-04-27.
    • Ordered to the Assembly for consideration.
  • Next Steps:
    • Upon Assembly passage (not shown in the provided history), potential reconciliation if differences exist, and final approval before sending to the Governor for signature.

Practical Implications

  • For clients: Greater flexibility in accessing services, potential improvement in continuity of care during travel, illness, or geographic barriers.
  • For providers: New or clarified pathways to offer remote services, with required compliance and documentation.
  • For policymakers: Needs to ensure robust privacy, quality control, and equitable access; monitor implementation through timelines and reporting.

If you would like, I can pull the bill’s full text or fiscal impact analysis to provide precise provisions, funding figures, or statutory citations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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