In addition to tracking and working on legislation, the California School-Based Health Alliance works closely with state and federal policymakers to advance legislation, administrative policies, and regulations that support school-based health services. Updates on policy changes that we are tracking and leading are included here.
Governor Vetoes AB 1940 – SBHC Bill
On September 27, 2022, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 1940 (Salas), the bill that the California School-Based Health Alliance (CSHA) sponsored to update and modernize the existing grant program to meet the current needs of California’s school-based health centers (SBHCs).
CSHA disagrees with the assessment that updating the existing statute would cost additional funds. This bill would only go into effect with funding included in the state budget – a separate process. We believe this is a missed opportunity to better reflect current school-based health and wellness centers that are meeting the increased needs of students.
State SBHC Program Remains Unfunded
Despite CSHA’s and Assemblymember Salas’s efforts, no funding was included in the 2022-23 state budget specifically for the SBHC Support Program already in statute.
We will continue to advocate for the needs of SBHCs, the importance of dedicated funding, and build on our efforts to ensure SBHCs are highlighted in other investments for school health and behavioral health.