CA AB1957

Requires the State Department of Developmental Services and regional centers to compile and report data on instances when written individual program plans were provided in threshold languages more than 45 days after request, in addition to existing reporting requirements.

Mandates collection and reporting of numbers, percentages, and per capita expenditure amounts for specific service types (camping, social recreation, educational services, and nonmedical therapies) beginning with fiscal year 2023-24, broken down by age, race/ethnicity, and preferred language.

Requires regional centers to hold annual public stakeholder meetings to discuss compiled data and disparities in service provision to underserved communities, with meetings to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Directs regional centers to develop and submit recommendations and plans to reduce disparities in purchase of services if data indicate such need, with annual reports due to the department by August 31.

Authorizes the department to allocate funding to regional centers and community-based organizations for activities addressing service disparities, such as bilingual staff pay differentials, cultural competency training, and outreach to underserved populations, with grants reviewed within 45 days of application deadline.