AB 188 Summary

• Establishes Fairview Developmental Center disposition process with City of Costa Mesa partnership, including $3.5 million appropriation to facilitate planning and affordable housing development on the property

• Expands early intervention services eligibility by adding expressive and receptive communication development as separate areas and reducing the developmental delay threshold from 33% to 25%, while clarifying fetal alcohol syndrome as an established risk condition

• Implements comprehensive appeals process reform (effective March 1, 2023) replacing fair hearing procedures with new informal meetings, mediation, and fair hearing options with enhanced protections for claimants and clearer timelines

• Accelerates community services rate increases for developmental disability service providers, requiring 50% of fully funded rates by January 1, 2023 and full implementation by July 1, 2024, with mandate that providers allocate increases to direct care staff wages

• Establishes multiple workforce development programs including training stipends for direct support professionals, entry-level internship programs, tuition reimbursement for regional center employees, and a three-year pilot program for competitive integrated employment and postsecondary education