text: Notwithstanding Section 93004.5, the state is not liable for any contracts, debts, or other obligations of the North Coast Railroad Authority, its predecessor in interest, or the agency.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 424, Sec. 8. (SB 727) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT


kind: section

code: GOV

text:
(a) The agency shall be subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5) and the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1).

(b) This section shall become operative on March 1, 2022.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 28, Sec. 78. (SB 1380) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT

chapter: 3. Powers and Duties of Authority

path: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT > 3. Powers and Duties of Authority


text: On or before July 1, 2022, the agency shall hire or contract for professional staff necessary to fulfill the requirements of this title, including by exercising its authority pursuant to subdivision (l) of Section 93024. This subdivision does not limit the authority granted elsewhere in this title.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 424, Sec. 9. (SB 727) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT


text:
(a) At the direction of the board, the executive director shall submit a recommended budget to the board on or before June 30 of each year. The board shall adopt an annual budget by a resolution adopted by a majority of the board of directors.

(b) The board shall not make any increase or addition to the annual budget after it adopts the budget pursuant to subdivision (a) unless that action is approved by a resolution adopted by at least two-thirds of the board members.

(c) In the recommended and adopted budgets, and in any revisions to the adopted budget, the funding sources shall equal the financing uses.

(d) The board shall provide for regular audits of the agency’s accounts and records and shall maintain accounting records and report accounting transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles adopted by the Government Accounting Standards Board of the Financial Accounting Foundation for public reporting purposes.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 424, Sec. 10. (SB 727) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT


text:
(a) For purposes of this section, “work” means the erection, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any public structure, building, road, or other public improvement of any kind.

(b) For any work done by agency personnel, the estimated cost of the work shall not exceed an amount equal to the threshold set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 22032 of the Public Contract Code, except under the following circumstances:

(1) The work consists of environmental preservation or habitat management.

(2) The work consists of maintenance work as defined in Section 22002 of the Public Contract Code.

(3) The work consists of emergency work.

(c) With the approval of the board, and in accordance with a board policy that has been adopted in an open meeting, any work not performed by agency personnel and estimated by the engineer to cost in excess of an amount equal to the threshold set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 22032 of the Public Contract Code shall be done by contract and shall comply with the following formal competitive bidding process:

(1) All contracts shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder or bidders in the manner provided in this section. The board shall first determine whether the contract shall be let as a single unit for the whole of the work, or shall be divided into severable parts, or both, according to the best interests of the agency.

(2) The board shall call for bids and advertise the call by posting the notice on applicable internet websites, as appropriate, or by three insertions in a daily newspaper of general circulation or by two insertions in a weekly newspaper of general circulation printed and published within the service area of the agency inviting sealed proposals for the construction or performance of the work before any contract is made. The call for bids shall state whether the work is to be performed as a unit for the whole of the work, or shall be divided into severable specific parts, or both, as stated in the call. The board may let the work by single contract or it may divide the work into severable parts by separate contracts, as stated in the call, according to the best interests of the agency.

(3) The board shall require the successful bidder or bidders to file with the board good and sufficient bonds to be approved by the board conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract and upon the payment of their claims for labor and material, the bonds to contain the terms and conditions set forth in Title 3 (commencing with Section 9000) of Part 6 of Division 4 of the Civil Code and to be subject to that title.

(4) The board may reject any bid. If all proposals are rejected or no proposals are received pursuant to advertisement, or the work consists of maintenance work, environmental preservation or habitat management, or emergency work, the board may, without advertising for bids, have the work done by force account.

(d) In case of an emergency, if notice for bids to let contracts for work will not be given, the board shall comply with Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 22050) of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 424, Sec. 11. (SB 727) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT


text:
(a) The agency shall convey and transfer all of its rights, interests, privileges, and title, lien free, relating to its rail right-of-way south of the dividing line, including any associated real property, rail easements, branch or spur lines, leases, contracts, licenses and certificates of public convenience and necessity, common carrier obligations held by the agency, or an associated freight operator, and railroad assets the agency owns to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District created pursuant to Section 105010 of the Public Utilities Code.

(b) The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District shall retain and maintain, in perpetuity, all common carrier rights and obligations received from the agency.

(c) This section shall become operative on March 1, 2022.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 423, Sec. 24. (SB 69) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative March 1, 2022, by its own provisions.)

title: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT

path: 12. GREAT REDWOOD TRAIL AGENCY ACT > 4. Transfer of Rights, Privileges, and Title


text: This title shall be known and may be cited as the Siskiyou Railroad Authority Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 132, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY

path: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text: As used in this title, “authority” means the Siskiyou Railroad Authority.

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text: The authority is hereby created within the County of Siskiyou.

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text: The authority shall be governed by a board of five directors, three appointed by the board of supervisors of the County of Siskiyou, one of whom shall be a resident of the community of McCloud, and two appointed by the City Council of the City of Mount Shasta. Members of the board of supervisors and the city council may be appointed to and serve on the board of directors of the authority.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 79, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text:
The authority may do any of the following:

(a) Acquire, own, operate, and lease real and personal property directly related to the operation and maintenance of railroads.

(b) Acquire property by purchase, lease, or gift.

(c) Operate railroads.

(d) Accept grants or loans from state or federal agencies.

(e) Select a franchisee, which may be a public or private entity, to acquire or operate a rail transportation system within the area of the authority’s jurisdiction.

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text: The authority may prepare a plan for the acquisition and operation of a railroad line, at no expense to the state.

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text:
After preparation of a plan pursuant to Section 93107, the authority may do any of the following:

(a) Conduct engineering and other studies related to the acquisition of any railroad line.

(b) Evaluate alternative plans from the private sector to acquire, finance, and operate a railroad system.

(c) Establish criteria for the award of a franchise.

(d) Select a franchisee to acquire, finance, and operate the railroad system.

(e) Accept grants, gifts, fees, or allocations from other entities, including private and public sources.

(f) Employ an executive officer, other staff, and consultants deemed appropriate for support of the activities of the authority.

(g) Establish rates, rentals, charges, and classifications of transportation services operated by, and for, the authority.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 79, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.)

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text: The state is not liable for any contracts, debts, or other obligations of the authority.

title: 12.3. SISKIYOU RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text: This title shall be known, and may be cited, as the Central California Railroad Authority Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 234, Sec. 1. (SB 325) Effective January 1, 2012.)

chapter: 1. General Provisions

path: 12.5. CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD AUTHORITY > 1. General Provisions


text:
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this title, to provide an alternative for ensuring railroad service if the Surface Transportation Board authorizes the abandonment or discontinuance of service on, or in the event of bankruptcy or sale of, short-line railroads in the Counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Merced.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide a means to consider and, if justified, to pursue economic development opportunities and projects related to rail service along railroad lines in participating counties.

(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that enactment of this title not provide a justification for the Surface Transportation Board to grant a petition for abandonment or discontinuance of service on the affected short lines.

(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that the authority be expanded to include the Counties of Madera, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin if those counties request to be included at a future date.

title: 12.5. CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD AUTHORITY


text:
The Legislature finds and declares that maintaining a railroad service through central California will provide economic benefits and do all of the following:

(a) Ensure continuing short-line freight railroad service between Kern County and Merced County.

(b) Enable opportunities for the improvement of short-line rail service, including passenger service connecting to high-speed rail stations, extending from Kern County to the Port of Oakland.

(c) Reduce reliance on motor vehicles and encourage the use of rail service as an alternative transportation means.

(d) Reduce traffic congestion on and deterioration of state and federal highway systems and local roads in central California.

(e) Provide convenient and attractive short-line transportation service for shippers and receivers through central California.


text: As used in this title, “authority” means the Central California Railroad Authority.


text: The authority is a local agency for purposes of the Disaster Assistance Act (Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 8680) of Division 1 of Title 2).


text:
(a) The Central California Railroad Authority is hereby created, having a service area comprised of the Counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Merced, to provide rail freight service within those counties.

(b) The Counties of Madera, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin may elect to join the authority and, if that election is made, the service area of the authority is expanded to include those counties.

path: 12.5. CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD AUTHORITY > 2. Creation of the Central California Railroad Authority


text:
(a) The authority shall be governed by a board of directors, composed as follows:

(1) One member appointed by the Kern Council of Governments.

(2) One member appointed by the Kings County Association of Governments.

(3) One member appointed by the Tulare County Association of Governments.

(4) One member appointed by the Fresno Council of Governments.

(5) One member appointed by the Merced County Association of Governments.

(b) If the Counties of Madera, Stanislaus, or San Joaquin elect to join the authority, the regional transportation planning agencies of the counties so joining shall each appoint one person to the board of directors.

(c) A board member appointed pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) shall be both an elected official of a city or county that belongs to the regional transportation planning agency or council of governments appointing him or her and a board member of that planning agency or council of governments.

(d) All members of the board of directors shall serve for terms of two years and until their successors have qualified.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law that precludes the simultaneous holding of incompatible offices, a local government officer may be appointed and may serve as a member of the authority’s board of directors if the person also meets the other applicable qualifications of this title.

(f) (1) The board of directors may provide, by motion, ordinance, or resolution, that each of its members may receive compensation in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each day of service. A member of the board of directors shall not receive compensation for more than six days of service in a month.

(2) The board of directors, by ordinance adopted pursuant to the procedures and standards specified in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 20200) of Division 10 of the Water Code, may increase the amount of compensation that may be received by members of the board of directors.

(3) The board of directors may provide, by motion, ordinance, or resolution, that its members may receive their actual and necessary traveling and incidental expenses incurred while on official business. Reimbursement for these expenses is subject to Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3.

(4) A member of the board of directors may waive any or all of the payments permitted by this section.

(5) For the purposes of this subdivision, a “day of service” means any of the following:

(A) A meeting conducted pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5).

(B) Representation of the authority at a public event, provided that the board of directors has previously approved the member’s representation at a board of directors’ meeting and that the member delivers a written report to the board of directors regarding the member’s representation at the next board of directors’ meeting following the public event.

(C) Representation of the authority at a public meeting or a public hearing conducted by another public agency, provided that the board of directors has previously approved the member’s representation at a board of directors’ meeting and that the member delivers a written report to the board of directors regarding the member’s representation at the next board of directors’ meeting following the public meeting or public hearing.

(D) Representation of the authority at a meeting of a public benefit nonprofit corporation on whose board the authority has membership, provided that the board of directors has previously approved the member’s representation at a board of directors’ meeting and the member delivers a written report to the board of directors regarding the member’s representation at the next board of directors’ meeting following the corporation’s meeting.

(E) Participation in a training program on a topic that is directly related to the authority, provided that the board of directors has previously approved the member’s participation at a board of directors’ meeting, and that the member delivers a written report to the board of directors regarding the member’s participation at the next board of directors’ meeting following the training program.

(g) A majority of the members of the authority constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, and all official acts of the authority require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the authority.

(h) The acts of the authority shall be expressed by motion, resolution, or ordinance.

(i) All meetings of the authority shall be conducted pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5).

chapter: 2. Creation of the Central California Railroad Authority


text:
(a) The authority shall do all of the following:

(1) Adopt an annual budget.

(2) Adopt an administrative code, by ordinance, which prescribes the powers and duties of the authority officers, the method of appointment of the authority employees, and methods, procedures, and systems of operation and management of the authority.

(3) Cause a postaudit of the financial transactions and records of the authority to be made at least annually by a certified public accountant.

(4) Do any and all things necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.

(b) Notice of the time and place of a public hearing on the adoption of the annual budget shall be published pursuant to Section 6061 not later than 15 days prior to the hearing.

(c) The proposed annual budget shall be available for public inspection at least 15 days prior to the hearing.

(d) The authority may sue and be sued, except as provided by law, in all actions and proceedings, in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction.

(e) All claims for money or damages against the authority are governed by Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1, except as provided therein, or by other statute or regulation expressly applicable thereto.


text: The authority shall conduct its first meeting no later than 120 days after abandonment or discontinuance of service on any railroad line specified in Section 93301, provided the member regional transportation agencies or councils of governments have formed a joint exercise of powers agreement to implement and manage the authority.


text: The regional transportation planning agencies or councils of governments for the Counties of Fresno, Merced, Kern, Kings, and Tulare, and any regional transportation planning agencies of other counties that may elect to join the authority, may operate freight rail service within the area of jurisdiction of the authority.


text:
The authority has all of the following powers:

(a) To acquire, own, operate, and lease real and personal property reasonably related to the operation and maintenance of railroads.

(b) To issue revenue bonds pursuant to Section 93316 for any purpose of the authority.

(c) To acquire property by purchase, lease, gift, or through exercise of the power of eminent domain, within its area of jurisdiction.

(d) To operate railroads, including those outside its boundaries in order to connect its lines with the lines of another railroad corporation, provided the service begins within the authority’s area of jurisdiction.

(e) To accept grants or loans from federal agencies.

(f) To select a franchisee, which may be a public or private entity, to acquire or operate a rail transportation system within the area of the authority’s jurisdiction.

chapter: 3. Powers and Duties of the Authority

path: 12.5. CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD AUTHORITY > 3. Powers and Duties of the Authority


text: The authority may acquire, own, lease, and operate railroad lines and equipment, including, but not limited to, real and personal property, tracks, rights-of-way, equipment, and facilities.


text: The authority may prepare a plan for the acquisition and operation of any railroad line specified in Section 93301, at no expense to the state, to achieve the purposes set forth in Section 93302.


text:
After preparation of a plan pursuant to Section 93314, the authority may do any of the following:

(a) Conduct engineering and other studies related to the acquisition of any railroad line.

(b) Evaluate alternative plans from the private sector to acquire, finance, and operate a railroad system in a manner which achieves the purposes specified in Section 93302.

(c) Establish criteria for the award of a franchise.

(d) Select a franchisee to acquire, finance, and operate the railroad system.

(e) Accept grants, gifts, fees, or allocations from other entities, including private and public sources.

(f) Employ an executive officer, other staff, and consultants deemed appropriate for support of the activities of the authority.


text:
(a) The authority may issue bonds, payable from revenues of any facility or enterprise to be acquired or constructed by the authority, in the manner provided by the Revenue Bond Law of 1941 (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 54300) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5).

However, an election is not required in the case of revenue bonds authorized by the board of directors for railroad facilities, and any addition, extension, and improvement thereto, and all other facilities authorized to be acquired, constructed, or completed by the authority under this title.

(b) The authority is a local agency within the meaning of the Revenue Bond Law of 1941. The term “enterprise,” as used in that law, includes railroad facilities, and any addition, extension, and improvement thereto, and all other facilities authorized to be acquired, constructed, or completed by the authority under this title.


text: Agencies forming the joint powers agreement implementing the authority shall be liable for all debts and obligations of the authority.


text: The authority may not utilize or be a claimant for Transportation Development Act funds and shall not be entitled to receive funds from the Public Transportation Account.


text: This title may be cited as the California Early Intervention Services Act.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 2. Effective October 8, 1993. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003. See same-numbered section in the later operative Title 14 that was added by Sec. 4 of Ch. 945.)

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 1. General Provisions


text:
The Legislature finds that disabled and high-risk infants now survive the newborn period due to greatly improved surgical and medical care services. However, in many communities, services that provide the careful nurturing and stimulation that these infants need to develop to their potential are not available. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that individualized early intervention services for infants who are at high risk or who have a disabling condition, and for their families, which provide educational, developmental, health, and social services with active parent involvement, can significantly reduce the potential impact of many disabling conditions and positively influence later development when the child reaches school age.

The Legislature further finds that infants have unique needs and therefore require both a unique service delivery model, which may be different from any system currently in place in California, and unique program and personnel standards specific to the needs of infants who are at high risk or who have a disabling condition and their families.

The Legislature further acknowledges that early intervention services are cost effective in that these services frequently make productive citizens of children and eliminate the far greater costs of long-term remedial treatment for, and unnecessary lifelong dependency on, others.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 4) by Stats. 2004, Ch. 183, Sec. 184. Effective January 1, 2005. Operation contingent as provided in Section 95004.)

chapter: 1. General Provisions and Definitions

article: 1. General Provisions

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 1. General Provisions and Definitions > 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:

(1) There is a need to provide appropriate early intervention services individually designed for infants and toddlers from birth to two years of age, inclusive, who have disabilities or are at risk of having disabilities, to enhance their development and to minimize the potential for developmental delays.

(2) Early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities or who are at risk of having disabilities represent an investment of resources, in that these services reduce the ultimate costs to our society, by minimizing the need for special education and related services in later school years and by minimizing the likelihood of institutionalization. These services also maximize the ability of families to better provide for the special needs of their children. Early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities maximize the potential of the individuals to be effective in the context of daily life and activities, including the potential to live independently, and exercise the full rights of citizenship. The earlier intervention is started, the greater is the ultimate cost-effectiveness and the higher is the educational attainment and quality of life achieved by children with disabilities.

(3) The family is the constant in the child’s life, while the service system and personnel within those systems fluctuate. Because the primary responsibility of an infant’s or toddler’s well-being rests with the family, services should support and enhance the family’s capability to meet the special developmental needs of their infant or toddler with disabilities.

(4) Family-to-family support strengthens families’ ability to fully participate in services planning and their capacity to care for their infants or toddlers with disabilities.

(5) Meeting the complex needs of infants with disabilities and their families requires active state and local coordinated, collaborative, and accessible service delivery systems that are flexible, culturally competent, and responsive to family-identified needs. When health, developmental, educational, and social programs are coordinated, they are proven to be cost effective, not only for systems, but for families as well.

(6) Family-professional collaboration contributes to changing the ways that early intervention services are provided and to enhancing their effectiveness.

(7) Infants and toddlers with disabilities are a part of their communities, and as citizens make valuable contributions to society as a whole.

(b) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that:

(1) Funding provided under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) be used to improve and enhance early intervention services as defined in this title by developing innovative ways of providing family focused, coordinated services, which are built upon existing systems.

(2) The State Department of Developmental Services, the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Social Services coordinate services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. These agencies need to collaborate with families and communities to provide a family-centered, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, interagency, community-based, early intervention system for infants and toddlers with disabilities.

(3) Families be well informed, supported, and respected as capable and collaborative decisionmakers regarding services for their child.

(4) Professionals be supported to enhance their training and maintain a high level of expertise in their field, as well as knowledge of what constitutes most effective early intervention practices.

(5) Families and professionals join in collaborative partnerships to develop early intervention services that meet the needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities, and that those partnerships be the basis for the development of services that meet the needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse population of California.

(6) To the maximum extent possible, infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families be provided services in the most natural environment, and include the use of natural supports and existing community resources.

(7) The services delivery system be responsive to the families and children it serves within the context of cooperation and coordination among the various agencies.

(8) Early intervention program quality be ensured and maintained through established early intervention program and personnel standards.

(9) The early intervention system be responsive to public input and participation in the development of implementation policies and procedures for early intervention services through the forum of an interagency coordinating council established pursuant to federal regulations under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(c) It is not the intent of the Legislature to require the State Department of Education to implement this title unless adequate reimbursement, as specified and agreed to by the department, is provided to the department from federal funds from Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 22, Sec. 10. (AB 75) Effective June 27, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 110 of Ch. 22. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

title: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT


text: In order to prevent any potential conflict of interest and pursuant to Section 303.604 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, no member of the interagency coordinating council may cast a vote on any matter that would provide direct financial benefit to that member or otherwise give the appearance of a conflict of interest.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 294, Sec. 2. Effective August 18, 1997. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text: The purpose of this title is to provide a statewide system of coordinated, comprehensive, family-centered, multidisciplinary, interagency programs, responsible for providing appropriate early intervention services and support to all eligible infants and toddlers and their families.


text: It is the intent of the Legislature that those agencies which possess the greatest expertise in providing early intervention services to infants and their families in the past continue to provide these services. It is the further intent of the Legislature that existing early intervention services rendered by state and local public agencies and private agencies be coordinated and maximized through interagency services with specific state and local government responsibilities.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 2) and added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 4. Effective October 8, 1993. Operation contingent as provided in Section 95004.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) The state’s participation in Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) shall be contingent on the receipt of federal funds to cover the costs of complying with the federal statutes and regulations that impose new requirements on the state. The State Department of Developmental Services and the State Department of Education annually shall report to the Department of Finance during preparation of the Governor’s Budget, and the May Revision, the budget year costs and federal funds projected to be available.

(b) If the amount of funding provided by the federal government pursuant to Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for the 1993–94 fiscal year, or any fiscal year thereafter, is not sufficient to fund the full increased costs of participation in this federal program by the local educational agencies, as required pursuant to this title, for infants and toddlers from birth to two years of age, inclusive, identified pursuant to Section 95014, and that lack of federal funding would require an increased contribution from the General Fund or a contribution from a local educational agency in order to fund those required and supplemental costs, the state shall terminate its participation in the program. Termination of the program shall occur on July 1 if local educational agencies have been notified of the termination prior to March 10 of that calendar year. If this notification is provided after March 10 of a calendar year, then termination shall not occur earlier than July 1 of the subsequent calendar year. The voluntary contribution by a state or local agency of funding for any of the programs or services required pursuant to this title shall not constitute grounds for terminating the state’s participation in that federal program. It is the intent of the Legislature that if the program terminates, the termination shall be carried out in an orderly manner with notification of parents and certificated personnel.

(c) This title shall remain in effect only until the state terminates its participation in Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for individuals from birth to two years of age, inclusive, and notifies the Secretary of the Senate of the termination, and as of that later date is repealed. As the lead agency, the State Department of Developmental Services, upon notification by the Department of Finance or the State Department of Education as to the insufficiency of federal funds and the termination of this program, shall be responsible for the payment of services pursuant to this title when no other agency or department is required to make these payments.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 56, Sec. 106) by Stats. 2008, Ch. 179, Sec. 133. Effective January 1, 2009. Repealed conditionally by its own provisions. See same-numbered section in the later operative Title 14 that was added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 4.)


text: It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Department of Health Care Services, the State Department of Developmental Services, the State Department of Social Services, and the State Department of Education work together to provide coordinated, interagency services to high-risk and disabled infants and their families.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 4) by Stats. 2012, Ch. 438, Sec. 5. (AB 1468) Effective September 22, 2012. Operation contingent as provided in Section 95004.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
The early intervention services specified in this title shall be provided as follows:

(a) Direct services for eligible infants and toddlers and their families shall be provided pursuant to the existing regional center system under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and the existing local education agency system under appropriate sections of Part 30 (commencing with Section 56000) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Education Code and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, and Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.).

(b) (1) In providing services under this title, regional centers shall comply with the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code), and its implementing regulations (Division 2 (commencing with Section 50201) of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations), including, but not limited to, those provisions relating to vendorization and ratesetting, except if compliance with those provisions would result in any delays in the provision of early intervention, or otherwise conflict with this title and the regulations implementing this title (Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 52000) of Division 2 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations), or Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.), and applicable federal regulations contained in Part 303 (commencing with Section 303.1) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Notwithstanding any other law or regulation, private health insurance for medical services or a health care service plan identified in the individualized family service plan, other than for evaluation and assessment, shall be used in compliance with applicable federal and state law and regulation.

(2) When compliance with this subdivision would result in any delays in the provision of early intervention services for the provision of any of these services, the department may authorize a regional center to use a special service code that allows immediate procurement of the service.

(c) The use of private health insurance or a health care service plan to pay for early intervention services under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) shall not:

(1) Count towards or result in a loss of benefits due to the annual or lifetime health insurance or health care service plan coverage caps for the infant or toddler with a disability, the parent, or the child’s family members who are covered under that health insurance policy or health care service plan contract.

(2) Negatively affect the availability of health coverage for the infant or toddler with a disability, the parent, or the child’s family members who are covered under that health insurance policy or health care service plan contract, or result in a discontinuance of the health insurance policy or the health care service plan contract or coverage under the health insurance policy or health care service plan contract for these individuals.

(3) Be the basis for increasing the health insurance or health care service plan premium of the infant or toddler with a disability, the parent, or the child’s family members covered under that health insurance policy or health care service plan contract.

(d) Services shall be provided by family resource centers that provide, but are not limited to, parent-to-parent support, information dissemination and referral, public awareness, family professional collaboration activities, and transition assistance for families.

(e) Existing obligations of the state to provide these services at state expense shall not be expanded.

(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that services be provided in accordance with Sections 303.124, 303.126, and 303.527 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 25, Sec. 1) by Stats. 2024, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. (AB 162) Effective July 2, 2024. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003. See same-numbered section in the later operative Title 14 that was added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 4.)


text: This title shall become operative upon the repeal of Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) as added by Section 2 of Chapter 945 of the Statutes of 1993.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 4) by Stats. 1994, Ch. 146, Sec. 86. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text: This title shall be administered under the shared direction of the Secretary of the Health and Human Services Agency and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of the statewide system of early intervention services shall be conducted by the State Department of Developmental Services in collaboration with the State Department of Education with the advice and assistance of an interagency coordinating council established pursuant to federal regulations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 56, Sec. 107. Effective January 1, 2008. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 2. Administration

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 2. Administration


text:
The State Department of Developmental Services shall serve as the lead agency responsible for administration and coordination of the statewide system. The specific duties and responsibilities of the State Department of Developmental Services shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Establishing a single point of contact with the federal Office of Special Education Programs for the administration of Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(b) Administering the state early intervention system in accordance with Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.), applicable regulations, and an approved state application.

(c) Administering mandatory and discretionary components as specified in Sections 95022 and 95024.

(d) Administering fiscal arrangements and interagency agreements with participating agencies and community-based organizations to implement this title.

(e) Establishing interagency procedures, including the designation of local coordinating structures, as are necessary to share agency information and to coordinate policymaking activities. In developing these procedures, efforts shall be made to schedule meetings with, and engage parents and legal guardians in, transition-related activities.

(f) Adopting written procedures for receiving and resolving complaints regarding violations of Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by public agencies covered under this title, as specified in Section 1435(a)(10) of Title 20 of the United States Code and appropriate federal regulations.

(g) Establishing, adopting, and implementing procedural safeguards that comply with the requirements of Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as specified in Section 1439 of Title 20 of the United States Code and appropriate federal regulations.

(h) (1) Monitoring of agencies, institutions, and organizations receiving assistance under this title.

(2) Monitoring shall be conducted by interagency teams that are sufficiently trained to ensure compliance. Interagency teams shall consist of, but not be limited to, representatives from the State Department of Developmental Services, the State Department of Education, the interagency coordinating council, or a local family resource center or network, parent, direct service provider, or any other agency responsible for providing early intervention services.

(3) All members of an interagency team shall have access to all information that is subject to review. Members of each interagency team shall maintain the confidentiality of the information, and each member of the interagency team shall sign a written agreement of confidentiality.

(4) A summary of monitoring issues and findings shall be forwarded biannually to the interagency coordinating council for review.

(i) Establishing innovative approaches to information distribution, family support services, and interagency coordination at the local level. This shall include the posting of information for parents specific to transition requirements along with other parent training opportunities on the lead agency’s internet website, the regional centers’ websites, and other appropriate internet websites.

(j) Ensuring the provision of appropriate early intervention services to all infants eligible under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) and under Section 95014, except for those infants who have solely a low incidence disability as defined in Section 56026.5 of the Education Code and who are not eligible for services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code).

The development and implementation of subdivisions (e) to (h), inclusive, shall be a collaborative effort between the State Department of Developmental Services and the State Department of Education. In establishing the written procedures for receiving and resolving complaints as specified in subdivision (f) and in establishing and implementing procedural safeguards as specified in subdivision (g), it is the intent of the Legislature that these procedures be identical for all infants served under this act and shall be in accordance with Sections 303.400 and 303.420(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The procedural safeguards and due process requirements established under this title shall replace and be used in lieu of due process procedures contained in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4500) of Division 4.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and Part 30 (commencing with Section 56500) of the Education Code for infants and their families eligible under this title.

(k) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and as a condition to receive federal Part C grant funds, the State Department of Developmental Services may issue directives to local educational agencies and regional centers operating programs under this title until updated regulations are adopted, which shall occur no later than June 30, 2029.

(2) The State Department of Education shall collaborate with the State Department of Developmental Services as the State Department of Developmental Services develops and disseminates written directives related to transition practices between Part C and under Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(l) The requirements set forth in this title shall be interpreted and implemented in a manner consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 80, Sec. 3. (SB 163) Effective July 13, 2026. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text: The State Department of Education shall be responsible for administering services and programs for infants with solely visual, hearing, and severe orthopedic impairments, and any combination thereof, who meet the criteria in Sections 56026 and 56026.5 of the Education Code, and in Section 3030(a), (b), (d), or (e) of, and Section 3031 of, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) and who are not eligible for services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 80, Sec. 4. (SB 163) Effective July 13, 2026. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text: The development of joint regulations for meeting the requirements of this title shall be the shared responsibility of the State Department of Developmental Services on behalf of the Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency, and the State Department of Education on behalf of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The joint regulations shall be agreed upon by both departments. These regulations shall be developed and approved by October 1, 1995. The Department of Finance shall review and comment upon the joint regulations prior to any public hearing on them.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 945, Sec. 2. Effective October 8, 1993. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text:
(a) The following departments shall cooperate and coordinate their early intervention services for eligible infants and their families under this title, and need to collaborate with families and communities, to provide a family-centered, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, interagency, community-based early intervention system:

(1) State Department of Developmental Services.

(2) State Department of Education.

(3) State Department of Health Care Services.

(4) State Department of Social Services.

(b) Each participating department shall enter into an interagency agreement with the State Department of Developmental Services. Each interagency agreement shall specify, at a minimum, the agency’s current and continuing level of financial participation in providing services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Each interagency agreement shall also specify procedures for resolving disputes in a timely manner. Interagency agreements shall also contain provisions for ensuring effective cooperation and coordination among agencies concerning policymaking activities associated with the implementation of this title, including legislative proposals, regulation development, and fiscal planning. All interagency agreements shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 80, Sec. 5. (SB 163) Effective July 13, 2026. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 3. State Interagency Coordination

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 3. State Interagency Coordination


text:
The requirements set forth in this chapter shall be interpreted and implemented in a manner consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In order to comply with the federal regulations in Section 303.209 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations and to facilitate a seamless transition between services in Part C and under Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), the State Department of Education, as the state education agency, shall enter into an interagency agreement with the State Department of Developmental Services which shall include provisions that address both of the following:

(a) Federal requirements consistent with Section 303.209(a)(3) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) The joint development and dissemination of educational information about transitioning from Part C to Part B.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2026, Ch. 80, Sec. 6. (SB 163) Effective July 13, 2026. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 3.1. Transition to Preschool and Other Programs


text:
In the transition of a child and family from Part C to Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act:

(a) Each regional center shall designate a main point of contact for coordinating and completing the transition with other agencies and persons, including establishing practices to educate and support families during transition.

(b) The State Department of Education shall require each local educational agency to designate a main point of contact for coordinating and completing the transition with other agencies and persons.

chapter: 3.1. Transition to Preschool and Other Programs


text:
In providing services pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 95024, resources shall be made available by the lead agency or the agency’s contractor or both to families with information on the following areas:

(a) The difference between Part B and Part C services.

(b) Information about local Part B programs and other services in a family’s community.

(c) Options for services for families after their child reaches three years of age.

(d) An overview of the process and timelines for a child’s transition at three years of age.


text:
It is the regional center’s responsibility to do both of the following:

(a) Assess a toddler who qualifies for early intervention services from the regional center pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(b) Provide information about available community or preschool programs, including California state preschool programs, as defined in Section 8207 of the Education Code, for toddlers transitioning out of Part C services.


text:
(a) The term “eligible infant or toddler” for the purposes of this title means infants and toddlers from birth through two years of age, for whom a need for early intervention services, as specified in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) and applicable regulations, is documented by means of assessment and evaluation as required in Sections 95016 and 95018 and who meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Infants and toddlers with a developmental delay in one or more of the following six areas: cognitive development; physical and motor development, including vision and hearing; expressive communication development; receptive communication development; social or emotional development; or adaptive development. Developmentally delayed infants and toddlers are those who are determined to have a significant difference between the expected level of development for their age and their current level of functioning. This determination shall be made by qualified personnel who are recognized by, or part of, a multidisciplinary team, including the parents. A significant difference is defined as a 25-percent delay in one or more developmental areas.

(2) Infants and toddlers with established risk conditions, who are infants and toddlers with conditions of known etiology or conditions, including fetal alcohol syndrome, with established harmful developmental consequences. The conditions shall be diagnosed by qualified personnel recognized by, or part of, a multidisciplinary team, including the parents. The condition shall be certified as having a high probability of leading to developmental delay if the delay is not evident at the time of diagnosis.

(3) Infants and toddlers who are at high risk of having substantial developmental disability due to a combination of biomedical risk factors, the presence of which are diagnosed by qualified personnel recognized by, or part of, a multidisciplinary team, including the parents.

(b) Regional centers and local educational agencies shall be responsible for ensuring that eligible infants and toddlers are served as follows:

(1) The State Department of Developmental Services and regional centers shall be responsible for the provision of appropriate early intervention services that are required for California’s participation in Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) for all infants eligible under this section, except for those infants with solely a visual, hearing, or severe orthopedic impairment, or any combination of those impairments, who meet the criteria in Sections 56026 and 56026.5 of the Education Code, and in Section 3030(a) or (b) of, and Section 3031 of, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

(2) The State Department of Education and local educational agencies shall be responsible for the provision of appropriate early intervention services in accordance with Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.) for infants with solely a visual, hearing, or severe orthopedic impairment, or any combination of those impairments, who meet the criteria in Sections 56026 and 56026.5 of the Education Code, and in Section 3030(a) or (b) of, and Section 3031 of, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, and who are not eligible for services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code).

(3) The transfer procedures and timelines, as provided under subdivision (d) of Section 4643.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, shall apply if the circumstances pertaining to an eligible infant or toddler are that the child (A) has an order for foster care placement, is awaiting foster care placement, or is placed in out-of-home care through voluntary placement as defined in subdivision (o) of Section 11400 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and (B) transfers between regional centers.

(c) For infants and toddlers and their families who are eligible to receive services from both a regional center and a local educational agency, the regional center shall be the agency responsible for providing or purchasing appropriate early intervention services that are beyond the mandated responsibilities of local educational agencies and that are required for California’s participation in Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.). The local educational agency shall provide special education services up to its funded program capacity as established annually by the State Department of Education in consultation with the State Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Finance.

(d) An agency or multidisciplinary team, including any agency listed in Section 95012, shall not presume or determine eligibility, including eligibility for medical services, for any other agency. However, regional centers and local educational agencies shall coordinate intake, evaluation, assessment, and individualized family service plans for infants and toddlers and their families who are served by an agency.

(e) Upon termination of the program pursuant to Section 95003, the State Department of Developmental Services shall be responsible for the payment of services pursuant to this title.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2015.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 49, Sec. 5. (SB 188) Effective June 30, 2022. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 4. Eligibility

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 4. Eligibility


text:
(a) Each infant or toddler referred for evaluation for early intervention services shall have a timely, comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation of his or her needs and level of functioning in order to determine eligibility. In the process of determining eligibility of an infant or toddler, an assessment shall be conducted by qualified personnel, and shall include a family interview, to identify the child’s unique strengths and needs and the services appropriate to meet those needs; and the resources, priorities, and concerns of the family and the supports and services necessary to enhance the family’s capacity to meet the developmental needs of their infant or toddler. Evaluations and assessments shall be shared and utilized between the regional center and the local educational agency, and any other agency providing services for the eligible infant or toddler, as appropriate. Family assessments shall be family directed and voluntary on the part of the family. Families shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in all decisions regarding eligibility and services.

(b) Regional centers and local educational agencies or their designees shall be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this section are implemented. The procedures, requirements, and timelines for evaluation and assessment shall be consistent with the statutes and regulations under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.), applicable regulations, and this title, and shall be specified in regulations adopted pursuant to Section 95028.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 56, Sec. 111. Effective January 1, 2008. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 5. Services

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 5. Services


text: Each eligible infant or toddler and their family shall be provided a service coordinator who will be responsible for facilitating the implementation of the individualized family service plan and for coordinating with other agencies and persons providing services to the family. The qualifications, responsibilities, and functions of service coordinators shall be consistent with the statutes and regulations under Part C and this title, and shall be specified in regulations adopted pursuant to Section 95028. The State Department of Developmental Services shall ensure that service coordinators, as defined in federal law, meet federal and state regulation requirements, are trained to work with infants and their families, and meet competency requirements set forth in Section 52122 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Service coordinator caseloads shall be as specified in subdivision (c) of Section 4640.6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. A service coordinator for each eligible infant or toddler and their family shall conduct at least quarterly reviews of the individualized family service plan. Pursuant to Section 303.521 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, service coordination is not subject to any fees that might be established for any other federal or state program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 49, Sec. 6. (SB 188) Effective June 30, 2022. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text:
(a) An eligible infant or toddler shall have an individualized family service plan. The individualized family service plan shall be used in place of an individual program plan required pursuant to Sections 4646 and 4646.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the individualized education program required pursuant to Section 56340 of the Education Code, or any other applicable service plan.

(b) For an infant or toddler who has been evaluated for the first time, a meeting to share the results of the evaluation, to determine eligibility and, for children who are eligible, to develop the initial individualized family service plan shall be conducted within 45 calendar days of receipt of the written referral. Evaluation results and determination of eligibility may be shared in a meeting with the family prior to the individualized family service plan. Written parent consent, or consent by a legal guardian, to evaluate and assess shall be obtained within the 45-day timeline. A regional center, local educational agency, or the designee of one of those entities shall initiate and conduct this meeting. Families shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in all decisions regarding eligibility and services. During intake and assessment, but no later than the individualized family service plan meeting, the parents, legal guardian, or conservator shall provide copies of any health benefit cards under which the consumer is eligible to receive health benefits, including, but not limited to, private health insurance, a health care service plan, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and TRICARE. If the individual, or, if appropriate, the parents, legal guardians, or conservators, do not have any benefits, the regional center shall not use that fact to negatively impact the services that the individual may or may not receive from the regional center.

(c) (1) Parents and legal guardians shall be fully informed of their rights, including the right to invite another person, including a family member or an advocate or peer parent, or any or all of them, to accompany them to any or all individualized family service plan meetings. Notwithstanding any other law, at the request of the parent or legal guardian, an individualized family service plan meeting shall be held by remote electronic communications.

(2) (A) If a regional center has not held an in-person individualized family service plan meeting or completed any other in-person meeting or visit in the previous six months, the regional center shall hold an in-person individualized family service plan meeting, or other meeting, or visit at a location and at a time that is convenient for, and reflects the preference of, the parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative. This requirement on the part of the regional center shall not impede, delay, or prevent the timely development or revision of an individualized family service plan, or the timely authorization or receipt of services and supports.

(B) The in-person meeting requirement established in this subparagraph shall remain in effect pending the department’s review, in coordination with stakeholders, of implementation of this subdivision, as amended by the act that added this paragraph. The review shall include the development of recommendations that may include, but not be limited to, whether and to what extent the in-person requirements are effective in assisting the infant or toddler in meeting the goals stated in the individual family service plan, in positively facilitating and improving service access and equity, and in helping to build relationships between service coordinators and parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives. The department shall, after consulting with and receiving input from stakeholders, provide an update to the Legislature on the status of the review no later than January 10, 2026, and shall provide, with any additional consultation and documented input from stakeholders, the completed review to the Legislature no later than May 14, 2026.

(3) With parental consent, or consent by a legal guardian, a referral shall be made to the local family resource center or network. A request for consent shall be offered to the parents or the legal guardian at the initial individualized family service plan meeting and at any subsequent individualized family service plan meeting, if consent was not previously obtained.

(d) The individualized family service plan shall be in writing and shall address all of the following:

(1) A statement of the infant’s or toddler’s present levels of physical development including vision, hearing, and health status, cognitive development, communication development, social and emotional development, and adaptive developments.

(2) With the concurrence of the family, a statement of the family’s concerns, priorities, and resources related to meeting the special developmental needs of the eligible infant or toddler.

(3) A statement of the major outcomes expected to be achieved for the infant or toddler and family where services for the family are related to meeting the special developmental needs of the eligible infant or toddler.

(4) The criteria, procedures, and timelines used to determine the degree to which progress toward achieving the outcomes is being made and whether modifications or revisions are necessary.

(5) (A) A statement of the specific early intervention services necessary to meet the unique needs of the infant or toddler as identified in paragraph (3), including, but not limited to, the frequency, intensity, location, duration, and method of delivering the services, including by remote electronic communications, and ways of providing services in natural generic environments, including group training for parents and legal guardians on behavioral intervention techniques in lieu of some or all of the in-home parent and legal guardian training component of the behavior intervention services, and purchase of neighborhood preschool services and needed qualified personnel in lieu of infant development programs.

(B) Effective July 1, 2009, at the time of development, review, or modification of an infant’s or toddler’s individualized family service plan, the regional center shall consider both of the following:

(i) The use of group training for parents and legal guardians on behavior intervention techniques, in lieu of some or all of the in-home parent and legal guardian training component of the behavior intervention services.

(ii) The purchase of neighborhood preschool services and needed qualified personnel, in lieu of infant development programs.

(6) A statement of the agency responsible for providing the identified services.

(7) The name of the service coordinator who shall be responsible for facilitating implementation of the plan and coordinating with other agencies and persons.

(8) The steps to be taken to ensure transition of the infant or toddler upon reaching three years of age to other appropriate services. These may include, as appropriate, special education or other services offered in natural environments.

(9) The projected dates for the initiation of services in paragraph (5) and the anticipated duration of those services.

(e) Each service identified in the individualized family service plan shall be designated as one of three types:

(1) An early intervention service, as defined in subsection (4) of Section 1432 of Title 20 of the United States Code, and applicable regulations, that is provided or purchased through the regional center, local educational agency, or other participating agency. The State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services shall provide services in accordance with state and federal law and applicable regulations, and up to the level of funding as appropriated by the Legislature. Early intervention services identified in an individualized family service plan that exceed the funding, statutory, and regulatory requirements of these departments shall be provided or purchased by regional centers or local educational agencies under subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 95014. The State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services shall not be required to provide early intervention services over their existing funding, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

(2) Another service, other than those specified in paragraph (1), that the eligible infant or toddler or their family may receive from other state programs, subject to the eligibility standards of those programs.

(3) A referral to a nonrequired service that may be provided to an eligible infant or toddler or their family. Nonrequired services are those services that are not defined as early intervention services or do not relate to meeting the special developmental needs of an eligible infant or toddler related to the disability, but that may be helpful to the family. The granting or denial of nonrequired services by a public or private agency is not subject to appeal under this title. Notwithstanding any other law or regulation to the contrary, effective July 1, 2009, with the exception of durable medical equipment, regional centers shall not purchase nonrequired services, but may refer a family to a nonrequired service that may be available to an eligible infant or toddler or their family.

(f) An annual review, and other periodic reviews, of the individualized family service plan for an infant or toddler and the infant’s or toddler’s family shall be conducted to determine the degree of progress that is being made in achieving the outcomes specified in the plan and whether modification or revision of the outcomes or services is necessary. The frequency, participants, purpose, and required processes for annual and periodic reviews shall be consistent with the statutes and regulations under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) and this title, and shall be specified in regulations adopted pursuant to Section 95028. At the time of the review, the parents, legal guardian, or conservator shall provide copies of any health benefit cards under which the consumer is eligible to receive health benefits, including, but not limited to, private health insurance, a health care service plan, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and TRICARE. If the parents, legal guardian, or conservator have no such benefit cards, the regional center shall not use that fact to negatively impact the services that the individual may or may not receive from the regional center.

(g) (1) A regional center shall communicate and provide written materials in the family’s native language during the assessment, evaluation, and planning process for the individualized family service plan, as required by Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) and implementing regulations, and as required by Sections 11135 to 11139, inclusive, and implementing regulations, including providing alternative communication services pursuant to Sections 11161 and 11162 of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations.

(2) The family’s native language shall be documented in the individualized family service plan.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 47, Sec. 2. (AB 162) Effective July 2, 2024. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text:
(a) Effective July 1, 2011, regional centers shall begin transitioning providers of early intervention services purchased through a regional center to electronic billing. All providers of early intervention services provided or purchased through a regional center shall submit all billings electronically for services provided on or after July 1, 2012, with the exception of the following:

(1) A provider whose services are paid for by vouchers, as that term is defined in subdivision (i) of Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(2) A provider who demonstrates that submitting billings electronically for services presents a substantial financial hardship.

(b) For purposes of this section, “electronic billing” is defined as the Regional Center e-Billing System web application provided by the State Department of Developmental Services.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 37, Sec. 2. (AB 104) Effective June 30, 2011. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation to the contrary, any vendor who provides applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services or intensive behavioral intervention services, or both, as defined in subdivision (c), shall:

(1) Conduct a behavioral assessment of each infant or toddler to whom the vendor provides these services.

(2) Design an intervention plan that shall include the service type, number of hours needed, and recommended parent participation to achieve the goals and objectives of the infant or toddler, as set forth in their individualized family service plan (IFSP). The intervention plan shall also set forth the frequency at which the progress of the infant or toddler shall be evaluated and reported.

(3) Provide a copy of the intervention plan to the regional center for review and consideration by the planning team members.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation to the contrary, regional centers shall:

(A) Only purchase ABA services or intensive behavioral intervention services that reflect evidence-based practices, promote positive social behaviors, and ameliorate behaviors that interfere with learning and social interactions.

(B) Not purchase either ABA or intensive behavioral intervention services for purposes of providing respite, day care, or school services.

(C) Discontinue purchasing ABA or intensive behavioral intervention services for an infant or toddler when their treatment goals and objectives, as described under subdivision (a), are achieved. ABA or intensive behavioral intervention services shall not be discontinued until the goals and objectives are reviewed and updated as required in paragraph (5) and shall be discontinued only if those updated treatment goals and objectives do not require ABA or intensive behavioral intervention services.

(D) For each infant or toddler, evaluate the vendor’s intervention plan and number of service hours for ABA or intensive behavioral intervention no less than every six months, consistent with evidence-based practices. If necessary, the intervention plan’s treatment goals and objectives shall be updated and revised.

(E) Not reimburse a parent for participating in a behavioral services treatment program.

(F) Not deny or delay the provision of ABA or intensive behavioral intervention services for an infant or toddler due to the lack of parent participation. A regional center shall not adopt, implement, or have in effect any policy or practice that prohibits or substantially prohibits the purchase of ABA or intensive behavioral intervention services due to the lack of parent participation. For purposes of this section, “substantially prohibits” means any policy or practice that generally prohibits a purchase of service, but includes a process for the regional center to allow exceptions.

(2) This subdivision shall not be construed to prohibit a regional center from highlighting the benefit of parental participation as recommended by the intervention plan.

(c) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Applied behavioral analysis” means the design, implementation, and evaluation of systematic instructional and environmental modifications to promote positive social behaviors and reduce or ameliorate behaviors that interfere with learning and social interaction.

(2) “Intensive behavioral intervention” means any form of applied behavioral analysis that is comprehensive, designed to address all domains of functioning, and provided in multiple settings for no more than 40 hours per week, across all settings, depending on the individual’s needs and progress. Interventions can be delivered in a one-to-one ratio or small group format, as appropriate.

(3) “Evidence-based practice” means a decisionmaking process that integrates the best available scientifically rigorous research, clinical expertise, and individual’s characteristics. Evidence-based practice is an approach to treatment rather than a specific treatment. Evidence-based practice promotes the collection, interpretation, integration, and continuous evaluation of valid, important, and applicable individual- or family-reported, clinically observed, and research-supported evidence. The best available evidence, matched to infant or toddler circumstances and preferences, is applied to ensure the quality of clinical judgments and facilitates the most cost-effective care.

(4) “Parent” has the same meaning as defined in paragraph (44) of subdivision (b) of Section 52000 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

(5) “Parent participation” may include, but shall not be limited to, the following meanings:

(A) Completion of group instruction on the basics of behavior intervention.

(B) Implementation of intervention strategies according to the intervention plan.

(C) If needed, collection of data on behavioral strategies and submission of that data to the provider for incorporation into progress reports.

(D) Participation in any needed clinical meetings.

(E) Purchase of suggested behavior modification materials or community involvement if a reward system is used.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 44, Sec. 12. (AB 121) Effective July 10, 2023. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text:
The statewide system of early intervention shall be administered by the State Department of Developmental Services in collaboration with the State Department of Education and with the advice and assistance of an interagency coordinating council established pursuant to federal regulations and shall include all of the following mandatory components:

(a) A central directory that includes information about early intervention services, resources, and experts available in the state, professionals and other groups providing services to eligible infants and toddlers, and research and demonstration projects being conducted in the state. The central directory shall specify the nature and scope of the services available and the telephone number and address for each of the sources listed in the directory.

(b) A public awareness program focusing on early identification of eligible infants and toddlers and the dissemination of information about the purpose and scope of the system of early intervention services and how to access evaluation and other early intervention services.

(c) Personnel standards that ensure that personnel are appropriately and adequately prepared and trained.

(d) A comprehensive system of personnel development that provides training for personnel including, but not limited to, public and private providers, primary referral sources, paraprofessionals, and persons who will serve as service coordinators. The training shall specifically address at least all of the following:

(1) Understanding the early intervention services system, including the family service plan process.

(2) Meeting the interrelated social, emotional, and health needs of eligible infants and toddlers.

(3) Assisting families in meeting the special developmental needs of the infant or toddler, assisting professionals to utilize best practices in family focused early intervention services and promoting family professional collaboration.

(4) Reflecting the unique needs of local communities and promoting culturally competent service delivery.

(e) A comprehensive child-find system, including policies and procedures that ensure that all infants and toddlers who may be eligible for services under this title are identified, located, and evaluated, that services are coordinated between participating agencies, and that infants and toddlers are referred to the appropriate agency.

(f) A surrogate parent program established pursuant to Section 303.406 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations to be used by regional centers and local education agencies.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 485, Sec. 103. Effective January 1, 1999. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text:
(a) Any increased cost to local educational agencies due to the implementation of this title shall be funded from the Part C federal funds provided for the purposes of this title.

(b) Any increased costs to regional centers due to the implementation of this title shall be funded from the Part C federal funds provided for the purposes of this title.

(c) The annual Budget Act shall specify the amount of federal Part C funds allocated for local assistance and for state operations individually, for the State Department of Developmental Services, and for the State Department of Education.

(d) If federal funds are available after mandatory components and increased costs in subdivisions (a) and (b), if any, are funded, the lead agency, in consultation with the State Department of Education, may do the following:

(1) Designate local interagency coordination areas throughout the state and allocate available Part C federal funds to fund interagency coordination activities, including, but not limited to, outreach and public awareness, and interagency approaches to service planning and delivery. If the lead agency chooses to designate and fund local interagency coordination areas, the lead agency shall first offer to enter into a contract with the regional center or a local educational agency. If the regional center or any of the local educational agencies do not accept the offer, the lead agency, in consultation with the State Department of Education and the approval of the regional center and local educational agencies in the area, directly may enter into a contract with a private, nonprofit organization. Nothing in this section shall preclude a regional center or local educational agency that enters into a contract with the lead agency from subcontracting with a private, nonprofit organization.

(2) Allocate funds to support family resource services, including, but not limited to, parent-to-parent support, information dissemination and referral, public awareness, family-professional collaboration activities, and transition assistance for families.

(e) If an expenditure plan is developed under subdivision (d), the lead agency, in consultation with the State Department of Education, shall give high priority to funding family resource services.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the lead agency’s authority, in consultation with the State Department of Education, to allocate discretionary Part C federal funds for any legitimate purpose consistent with the statutes and regulations under Part C (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1431 to 1444, inclusive) and this title.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 80, Sec. 7. (SB 163) Effective July 13, 2026. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 6. Funding

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 6. Funding


text:
(a) The lead agency shall maintain a system for compiling data required by the federal Office of Special Education Programs, through Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including the number of eligible infants and toddlers and their families in need of appropriate early intervention services, the number of eligible infants and toddlers and their families served, the types of services provided, and other information required by the federal Office of Special Education Programs. All participating agencies listed in Section 95012 shall assist in the development of the system and shall cooperate with the lead agency in meeting federal data requirements. The feasibility of using existing systems and including social security numbers shall be explored to facilitate data collection.

(b) Data collected pursuant to this section shall be used to improve service delivery and the quality of transition from Part C to Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for children and families to the extent it is possible to do so.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 49, Sec. 9. (SB 188) Effective June 30, 2022. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 7. Data Collection

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 7. Data Collection


text:
(a) On or before October 1, 1995, the State Department of Developmental Services, on behalf of the Secretary of the Health and Human Services Agency, and the State Department of Education, on behalf of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, jointly shall develop, approve, and implement regulations, as necessary, to comply with the requirements of this title and Part C, as specified in federal statutes and regulations.

(b) The regulations developed pursuant to this section shall include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:

(1) The administrative structure for planning and implementation of the requirements of this title and Part C.

(2) Eligibility for Part C services.

(3) Evaluation and assessment.

(4) Individualized family service plans.

(5) Service coordination.

(6) The program and service components of the statewide system for early intervention services.

(7) The duties and responsibilities of the lead agency as specified in Section 95006, including procedural safeguards and the process for resolving complaints against a public agency for violation of the requirements of Part C.

(c) The State Department of Developmental Services shall adopt regulations to implement this title in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2. Initial regulations to implement this title shall be adopted as emergency regulations. The adoption of these initial emergency regulations shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law to be an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare. The initial emergency regulations shall remain in effect for no more than 180 days. These regulations shall be jointly developed by the State Department of Developmental Services and the State Department of Education by July 1, 1994. The Department of Finance shall review and comment upon the emergency regulations prior to their adoption.

(d) On or before October 1, 2024, the regulations developed pursuant to this section shall be updated to include a process for Part C programs to incorporate family feedback to help update and improve the transition process from Part C, training, and family satisfaction.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 49, Sec. 10. (SB 188) Effective June 30, 2022. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 8. Regulations

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 8. Regulations


text:
The State Department of Developmental Services and the State Department of Education shall ensure that an independent evaluation of the program and its structure is completed by October 1, 1996. The evaluation shall address the following issues:

(a) The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the state administrative structure, the local interagency coordinating structure, and the mandatory program components.

(b) The degree to which programs and services provided through regional centers and local educational agencies fulfill the purpose of Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(c) The extent to which implementation of the program has resulted in improved services for infants and their families, and greater satisfaction with service delivery by families.

(d) The outcomes and effectiveness of family resource centers.

(e) The adequacy of the Part C funding models. The evaluation shall be funded with federal funds.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 56, Sec. 117. Effective January 1, 2008. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)

chapter: 9. Evaluation

path: 14. CALIFORNIA EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ACT > 9. Evaluation


text:
(a) The State Department of Education shall conduct a study of the current methods of providing special instruction and other services to infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The study shall be funded, upon appropriation by the Legislature, by any available federal funds administered by the State Department of Education and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) The personnel utilized.

(2) The varying approaches utilized in providing services to individuals with single disabilities, as compared to the approaches used in providing services to individuals with multiple disabilities, including hearing impairments.

(3) The adequacy of the resources and personnel standards.

(4) The costs associated with ensuring that infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing received special instruction from credentialed teachers of the deaf.

(b) The department shall report to the Legislature by January 1, 2006, recommendations regarding how to best provide and fund appropriate quality services for these children.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 456, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005. Repealed conditionally as prescribed in Section 95003.)


text: An individual development account program, to be known as the California Savings and Asset Project, is hereby established. The program shall be administered by the Employment Development Department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1024, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003. Conditionally operative as prescribed in Section 95501.)

title: 13. CALIFORNIA SAVINGS AND ASSET PROJECT


text: This title shall become operative upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature, or the allocation of existing discretionary funds by the Governor pursuant to Section 128(a) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 2853(a)), for the specific stated purpose of establishing the California Savings and Asset Project. This title shall be implemented to the extent that funding is appropriated in the annual Budget Act or any future act by the Legislature, or allocated by the Governor.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1024, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003. Note: This section prescribes conditions for operation of Title 13, comprising Sections 95500 to 95508.)

path: 13. CALIFORNIA SAVINGS AND ASSET PROJECT


text:
For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Community development credit union” means any credit union chartered under federal or state law.

(b) “Community development financial institution” means any community development financial institution certified by the Community Development Financial Institution Fund.

(c) “Department” means the Employment Development Department.

(d) “Indian tribe” means any Indian tribe, as defined in Section 4(12) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 4103(12)), and includes any tribal subsidiary, subdivision, or other wholly owned tribal entity.

(e) “Individual development account” means a matched savings account held in a financial institution, created or organized for an individual as part of an individual development account program earmarked for specific asset-building purposes.

(f) “Nonprofit facilitator” means the nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that contracts with the department for the project.

(g) “Participant” means any individual who has contracted with a service provider to participate in the California Savings and Asset Project.

(h) “Project” means the California Savings and Asset Project.

(i) “Qualified business capitalization” means qualified business expenditures for the capitalization of a qualified business pursuant to a qualified plan.

(j) “Qualified business expenditures” means expenditures included in a qualified plan, including capital, plant, equipment, working capital, and inventory expenses.

(k) “Qualified plan” means a business plan or a plan to use a business asset purchase that is approved by a financial institution, a business development training or technical assistance organization, or a nonprofit loan fund having demonstrated fiduciary integrity; contains a description of services, or goods to be sold, a marketing plan, and a projected financial statement; and requires the eligible individual to obtain the assistance of an experienced entrepreneurial adviser to review the plan for quality and completeness.

(l) “Service providers” means entities that contract with the nonprofit facilitator, and that are nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, community development credit unions, community development financial institutions, or Indian tribes that are eligible to receive funds appropriated or allocated for the project.


text:
(a) The department shall issue by July 1, 2003, a request for proposals to entities that may apply to become the nonprofit facilitator of the project. Applications shall include, but need not be limited to, all of the following components:

(1) A description of the organization submitting the proposal.

(2) A description of the planning process used to design the project.

(3) A business plan, including a market assessment, to be developed and used during the planning process, describing a target group or target area and the needs to be served, and cultural considerations.

(4) A marketing plan, including a description of the outreach and recruitment of participants for the project that uses information developed in the planning and market assessments.

(5) A description of project operations, including a description of the fiscal management plan, staffing pattern, arrangements with financial institutions, data management plan, and partnerships with other organizations.

(6) A description of the accounting methods to be used and evidence that the entity has the capacity to monitor pooled matching funds and project funding.

(7) A financial projection, including a proposed budget and fund development strategies.

(8) An annual audit.

(9) A description of primary project policies and procedures.

(10) A description and plan for delivery of personal financial management training and asset-specific training.

(b) The department shall, with the cooperation of the nonprofit facilitator, submit an annual report to the Legislature on the first day of January, commencing in 2004. The report shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(1) The number of enrolled participants.

(2) The number of individual development accounts established.

(3) The aggregate savings achievements.

(4) The number of participants who have completed the program.

(5) The number of participants who have completed financial education.

(6) A minimum of two participant profiles.

(7) A financial report, including the use of state funds, other leveraged funds, and the status of other committed funds.

(8) A summary of program achievements and obstacles.

(9) Program and fiscal projections for the next year.

(c) (1) The department shall assemble a review committee to read and score proposals by interested nonprofit facilitators in response to the request for proposals. The review committee shall include a staff member from the department and other experienced individual development account practitioners from diverse communities.

(2) The review committee shall score the proposals according to the components required in Section 95504, as well as best practice standards agreed upon by the asset-building field and a demonstrated capacity to conduct statewide activities and subcontract with service providers around the state.

(d) The department shall select a nonprofit facilitator to participate in the project based on the proposals submitted and scored pursuant to this section.

(e) The department shall allocate funding to the nonprofit facilitator for the project, subject to the requirements and limitations of the funding source.

(f) The department shall annually pay the nonprofit facilitator up to 10 percent of the project’s total annual allocation for the purpose described in Section 95504, and may reserve up to 5 percent of the project’s total annual allocation for its own administrative purposes.