It’s a busy January in Sacramento

Assemblymember Marie Waldron

AD-75 (R)

January is always a busy time in Sacramento, especially at the start of the second year of a two-year session. In addition to hundreds of new bills that are being introduced now, any bill carried over from last year must be approved in its respective house by the end of January.

Two of my bills are still being considered by the Assembly. AB 59, Laura’s Law extension, will continue to provide court ordered outpatient treatment for the mentally ill for five years beyond the statute’s current sunset date of Jan. 1, 2017.

Thus far, 12 California counties, including San Diego, have implemented Laura’s Law, which helps provide badly needed care for mentally ill patients who are incapable of seeking help on their own or who present a threat to themselves or others.

AB 73 requires that any denial of coverage by Medi-Cal of drugs prescribed to treat HIV/AIDS will be subject to a 24-hour “urgent appeal” process if the medical necessity of the drug can be demonstrated by the doctor and the drug is FDA approved.

Both bills are moving through the legislative process. AB 59 has passed the Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan vote, and will soon be heard by the Appropriations Committee. AB 73 has also been referred to the Appropriations Committee.

AB 59 and AB 73 must receive final legislative approval from the Assembly by the end of January in order to be forwarded to the Senate. Though time is short, I have high hopes for both.