Senator Steven Choi, Ph.D. (R-Irvine), announced the successful passage of Senate Bill 971 and Senate Bill 1242 off the Senate Floor and to the California State Assembly for further consideration, Monday.
SB 971, the Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program, establishes a framework authorizing counties to partner with community-based organizations, school districts, libraries, and local public health systems to deliver older adult education and technology training programs aimed at improving health, independence, and quality of life for Californians age 55 and older.
SB 1242, the CARE Court Family Proceedings Modernization Act, strengthens California’s CARE Court process by allowing family-member petitioners to remain involved throughout CARE Court proceedings for purposes of care coordination and providing relevant information to the CARE team, while preserving judicial discretion to protect the respondent’s well-being.
“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.”
Senator Choi also extended special recognition to Suzanne Fidler for her extraordinary efforts 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,” Senator Choi added. “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. SB 1242 is sponsored by the Conference of California Bar Associations. Both bills will be transmitted to the Assembly desk, where they will be assigned to policy committees.