SB1261 - Aging and Disability Resource Connection program.

Enrolled August 27, 2026 Passed IN Senate August 25, 2026 Passed IN Assembly August 24, 2026 Amended IN Assembly August 17, 2026 Amended IN Assembly August 06, 2026 Amended IN Senate May 20, 2026 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 1261 Introduced by Senator Laird (Coauthor: Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez) February 19, 2026 An act to add Section 9120.5 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to aging, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 1261, Laird. Aging and Disability Resource Connection program. Existing law establishes an Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) program, administered by the California Department of Aging, to provide information to consumers and their families on available long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs and to assist older adults, caregivers, and persons with disabilities in accessing LTSS programs at the local level. Existing law requires area agencies on aging and independent living centers to be the core local partners in developing and operating ADRC programs, and sets out their duties. This bill would prohibit the California Department of Aging from revoking the designation of an ADRC program solely due to the revocation or voluntary termination of a designation, suspension, or temporary inability of either the area agency on aging or the independent living center partner to serve in its operator role, and would authorize the remaining partner to continue to operate the ADRC independently during a transition period, as specified. The bill would require the ADRC to be dissolved at the end of the extension term unless specified entities jointly agree to continue the program. The bill would also authorize the department to extend the terms of the ADRC contract if two or more qualified entities are in the process of consolidation. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute. Digest Key Vote: 2/3 Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 9120.5 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read: 9120.5. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, the California Department of Aging shall not revoke the designation of an ADRC program solely due to the revocation or voluntary termination of a designation, suspension, or temporary inability of either the area agency on aging or the independent living center partner to serve in its operator role. In those circumstances, either the area agency on aging or the independent living center may opt to continue to operate the ADRC program independently during a transition period of up to two years, as jointly determined by the California Department of Aging and the Department of Rehabilitation, with advice from the Aging and Disability Resource Connection Advisory Committee, when practicable, while a new or replacement partner is identified and designated. (2) At the conclusion of the ADRC extension term identified in paragraph (1), the ADRC program shall be dissolved, unless both the area agency on aging and independent living center jointly agree to continue the ADRC program. (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the California Department of Aging may extend the terms of an ADRC contract beyond the extension specified in paragraph (1) if two or more qualified entities are in the process of consolidation. (b) During the transition period described in subdivision (a), the services provided by the ADRC shall continue without interruption, and joint operation shall be reestablished upon designation of the replacement partner that serves older adults or is a peer-led disability organization. SEC. 2. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are: In order to ensure continuity of vital services for older adults, caregivers, and persons with disabilities receiving services under the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) program, it is necessary for this act to go into immediate effect.