AB 152: Human services.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

(1)Existing law establishes the Department of Finance with the general powers of supervision over all matters concerning the financial and business policies of the state. Existing law requires the department to calculate changes in cost of living or annual adjustment factors in connection with various state programs and policies, including programs and policies relating to human services.

This bill would, if the department is required by law to make a calculation related to cost of living or annual adjustment factors and necessary data is unavailable, authorize the department to use a reasonable estimate of that data to perform the calculation, as specified.

(2)Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services to license and regulate various community care facilities and programs, including, among others, residential care facilities for persons with chronic, life-threatening illness, residential care facilities for the elderly, childcare centers, and home care services.

This bill would authorize users of information technology systems and services under the jurisdiction of the department, as specified, to use electronic signatures and to electronically pay any fee or civil penalties assessed by the department, as specified. The bill would require a user who elects to make an electronic payment to be responsible for any associated payment processing costs, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to adopt, amend, or repeal any rules and regulations that may be necessary or proper to carry out these provisions.

(3)Existing law, the Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act (act), provides for the licensure and regulation of home care organizations by the State Department of Social Services and the registration of home care aides. Under the act, administration of the program is fully supported by fees and not civil penalties. The act authorizes the provision of initial costs to implement the act’s provisions through a General Fund loan that is to be repaid in accordance with a schedule provided by the Department of Finance. Except for General Fund moneys that are otherwise transferred or appropriated for the initial costs of administering the act, or specified penalties, the act generally prohibits the use of General Fund moneys for any purpose under the act. Existing law makes an additional exception by authorizing use of General Fund moneys as appropriated by the Budget Act of 2023 and the Budget Act of 2024.

This bill would authorize, beginning July 1, 2026, the appropriation of General Fund moneys to help support the program, along with fee revenues. The bill would delete the above-described provision concerning the repayment of the General Fund loan for initial costs.

Sponsors

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 29, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 26, Statutes of 2026.
2. June 29, 2026Approved by the Governor.
3. June 29, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 5:30 p.m.
4. June 29, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 58. Noes 11. Page 5921.).
5. June 29, 2026Assembly Rule 63 suspended. (Ayes 54. Noes 18. Page 5918.)
6. June 29, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
7. June 29, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 30. Noes 9. Page 5050.).
8. June 29, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
9. June 29, 2026From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 13. Noes 5.) (June 29).
10. June 26, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on B. & F. R.
11. April 2, 2025Referred to Com. on B. & F. R.
12. March 20, 2025In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.