Existing law establishes various programs for the delivery of services or benefits to individuals with disabilities, including, among others, the State Supplementary Program for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, regional center services and supports under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, the In-Home Supportive Services Program, and certain benefits within the Medi-Cal program.

This bill would require the California Health and Human Services Agency, upon appropriation and in consultation with relevant state departments within the agency, to complete a feasibility study that includes a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities related to establishing a state permanent disability certification program. Under the bill, the program would be defined as a certification issued by a state department confirming that an individual has a permanent disability for the purpose of obtaining services. The bill would require the agency to reasonably attempt to consult with local stakeholders, as specified.

The bill would require that the analysis within the study address, among other things, technological limitations and compatibility of a permanent disability certification for use within existing federal, state, and local programs. The bill would require the agency, by July 1, 2028, to submit a report of the completed study to the Legislature and to post the report on the agency’s internet website.

The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2032.