Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

Existing law establishes the California Health and Human Services Agency, which includes the State Department of Health Care Services, among other state departments charged with the administration of health, social, and other human services. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law sets forth a schedule of covered benefits under the Medi-Cal program, which includes community health worker services. Existing law defines "community health worker" as a liaison, link, or intermediary between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and to improve the access and cultural competence of service delivery and who is a frontline health worker either trusted by, or who has a close understanding of, the community served. Existing law includes in the definition of community health worker Promotores, Promotores de Salud, Community Health Representatives, navigators, and other nonlicensed health workers with specified qualifications. This bill would require the department, by no later than January 1, 2025, and until December 31, 2026, to convene the Promotores and Promotoras Advisory and Oversight Workgroup to provide perspective and guidance to changes in the health and human services delivery system, including, but not limited to, the Medi-Cal program. The bill would require the secretary to appoint no fewer than 9 individuals to the workgroup who have at least ten years experience working in California as, or with, Promotores or Promotoras. The bill would require the workgroup to be comprised of no less than 51% Promotores or Promotoras, as specified, and require the appointees to be from geographically diverse areas of the state. The bill would require the workgroup to advise the departments under the agency to ensure that services provided by Promotores or Promotoras are available and accessible to all eligible populations. The bill would also require the workgroup to advise the agency to ensure that Promotores and Promotoras training and outreach materials are culturally and linguistically appropriate, to make recommendations on outreach efforts, as specified, and to provide input on issues that should be informed by community representatives who have lived experience with using and navigating Promotores or Promotoras services and the Medi-Cal program. The bill would also make findings and declarations related to the inclusion of Promotoras.

Existing law requires the driver of a commercial vehicle to stop and submit to a vehicle and driver inspection, as described, wherever the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is conducting commercial vehicle inspections and signs are displayed requiring the stop. Under existing law, a failure to stop as required is punishable as a misdemeanor. This bill would authorize a public transit agency, as defined, to request the CHP to conduct an annual inspection and certification of its fleet. The bill would authorize the Commissioner of the CHP to issue stickers or other devices as evidence of certification. The bill would exempt any public transit agency vehicle that has been certified through that inspection from the requirement to stop at a roadside inspection.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 2024 as Menopause Awareness Month in California to highlight the health and societal impacts of menopause on women. It acknowledges that millions of women face symptoms that can affect their daily lives and work, noting that women of color are at higher risk for complications like premature menopause and heart disease. The resolution encourages the state to provide better health information and services to support women's well-being before, during, and after this transition. While the text outlines these goals, the bill itself is a formal recognition rather than a law that creates new funding or mandates specific programs.

This measure would proclaim the week of April 14, 2024 to April 20, 2024, to be Cities Week, and would encourage all Californians to be involved in their communities and be civically engaged with their local government.

This measure would join Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the state, nation, and world in celebrating April 13, 2024, to April 15, 2024, as the Songkran New Year Festival.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes May 2024 as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month in California. It directly affects the state legislature and the broader public by establishing an official period to honor the history and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The resolution highlights the diverse backgrounds of these populations, their significant roles in California's development, and their ongoing achievements in various fields. By adopting this measure, the Assembly commends these communities for their accomplishments and acknowledges the hardships they have faced throughout history.

This measure would proclaim the week of April 7 through April 13, 2024, as Adult Education Week, and would salute the teachers, administrators, classified staff, and students of adult education programs statewide, honoring their efforts, persistence, and accomplishments.

This measure would designate the week of April 14, 2024, to April 20, 2024, inclusive, as Family Physician Week.