All Roll Calls
Yes: 220 • No: 0
CaliforniaSB 4712025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Office of the Lanterman Ombudsperson.
Sponsored By: Caroline Menjivar (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier ways to get help and complain
The office takes complaints, works to resolve them, and can investigate or refer cases. It tells you when it starts or declines an investigation, gives updates, and shares the final result. It shares training and information on your rights; notices include how to contact the office and that talks may be shared if needed to resolve complaints. You can call a toll‑free number, and case managers must give you this number and information at your annual IPP/IFSP meeting. You can also use an online portal. Help covers people getting services, in intake or assessment, asking about eligibility, in Early Start, or found eligible but not yet served.
New independent ombudsperson for regional centers
The law creates the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson to oversee regional center services. The ombudsperson is independent and cannot be directed by department officials. The head serves a 4‑year term, chosen from nominees by a committee; if the committee does not respond in 90 days, the director may appoint. Staff have legal immunity for discretionary duties. This act takes effect immediately. The law also repeals Section 4685.9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
Stronger investigations and faster fixes
The office can review records, meet with clients, and enter licensed homes and facilities to investigate. It may inspect sites with or without notice. It can only enter a private home with consent, and sealed court records need a subpoena. When the office sends a written plan or recommendation, agencies and providers must respond within 30 calendar days. The office must refer suspected misconduct to responsible officials, and crimes to law enforcement. It also coordinates with the State Long‑Term Care Ombudsman for regional center clients in long‑term care.
Transparency with strong privacy protections
The office compiles data each quarter and posts deidentified information online, and it can issue public reports. Your identity and complaint details stay confidential, except when sharing is needed to do the job or allowed by law. Staff do not have to testify about their work, and nonpublic records and notes are protected from subpoenas except to enforce this law. These rules balance public transparency with your privacy and safety.
Expert staff, community voice, updates
The office hires needed staff, including at least one expert on the Self‑Determination Program, and seeks people with lived experience. It convenes a diverse focus group to advise its work. Starting January 1, 2028, and every two years, it reviews law changes and recommends updates to department materials; the department updates using existing resources if staff time allows. The office can also recommend changes to laws, rules, policies, and forms to improve services.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Caroline Menjivar
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 9/10/2025
Item 65 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 40 • No: 0
House vote • 9/9/2025
Item 136 — Assembly AFLOOR
Yes: 80 • No: 0
legislature vote • 8/29/2025
Vote in CX25
Yes: 11 • No: 0
legislature vote • 7/8/2025
Vote in CX13
Yes: 12 • No: 0
legislature vote • 7/1/2025
Vote in CX11
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Senate vote • 6/4/2025
Item 104 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 39 • No: 0
legislature vote • 5/23/2025
Vote in CS61
Yes: 6 • No: 0
legislature vote • 5/5/2025
Vote in CS61
Yes: 7 • No: 0
legislature vote • 4/22/2025
Vote in CS53
Yes: 13 • No: 0
legislature vote • 4/7/2025
Vote in CS74
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 223, Statutes of 2025.
10/1/2025SenateApproved by the Governor.
10/1/2025legislatureEnrolled and presented to the Governor at 11 a.m.
9/22/2025legislatureAssembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2827.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9/10/2025SenateUrgency clause adopted.
9/10/2025SenateIn Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
9/9/2025SenateRead third time. Urgency clause adopted. Passed. (Ayes 80. Noes 0. Page 3085.) Ordered to the Senate.
9/9/2025HouseRead third time and amended.
9/4/2025HouseOrdered to third reading.
9/4/2025HouseRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
9/3/2025HouseRead second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
9/2/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (August 29).
8/29/2025HouseAugust 20 set for first hearing. Placed on APPR. suspense file.
8/20/2025HouseRead second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
7/10/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (July 8).
7/9/2025HouseFrom committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
7/2/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 1). Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
7/2/2025HouseFrom committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on HUM. S.
6/24/2025HouseReferred to Coms. on HUM. S. and JUD.
6/16/2025HouseIn Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
6/5/2025HouseRead third time. Passed. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 1522.) Ordered to the Assembly.
6/4/2025SenateOrdered to special consent calendar.
6/2/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
5/27/2025SenateRead second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
5/23/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 6. Noes 0. Page 1201.) (May 23).
5/23/2025Senate
Bill Text
Chaptered
10/1/2025
Enrolled
9/13/2025
Amended Assembly
9/4/2025
Amended Assembly
9/2/2025
Amended Assembly
7/10/2025
Amended Assembly
7/2/2025
Amended Assembly
6/24/2025
Amended Senate
5/23/2025
Introduced
2/19/2025