Senator Steven Choi, Ph.D. (R-Irvine), announced on May 19 the passage of Senate Bill 971 and Senate Bill 1242 in the California State Senate. Both bills will now move to the California State Assembly for further consideration.
SB 971, called the Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program, sets up a framework that allows counties to work with community-based organizations, school districts, libraries, and local public health systems. The goal is to deliver education and technology training programs for older adults aged 55 and over to improve their health, independence, and quality of life.
SB 1242 is known as the CARE Court Family Proceedings Modernization Act. This bill aims to strengthen California’s CARE Court process by allowing family-member petitioners to stay involved throughout court proceedings for care coordination and providing information relevant to the CARE team. The bill maintains judicial discretion in order to protect the well-being of those involved.
“California families deserve policies that protect our seniors, and support individuals struggling with severe mental illness,” said Senator Choi. “SB 971 helps restore meaningful community-based support systems for older adults, while SB 1242 ensures families are no longer unnecessarily shut out of the CARE Court process when their involvement can help save lives and improve outcomes. I am proud to see both measures advance to the Assembly with bipartisan support.”
Choi also recognized Suzanne Fidler for her contributions toward advancing SB 1242 through the legislative process: “I want to personally thank Suzanne Fidler for her tireless work, dedication, and countless volunteer hours spent helping move SB 1242 from concept to Senate passage,” Choi said. “Her advocacy, legal expertise, and commitment to improving CARE Court for California families have been instrumental every step of the way.”
SB 971 is sponsored by the California Senior Legislature while SB 1242 is sponsored by the Conference of California Bar Associations. Both bills will be sent next to policy committees in the Assembly.
