Advocacy & Legislative Update
Advocacy & Legislative Update
Highlights from the 2026–2027 California Budget, Federal Policy Updates, and Opportunities for Advocacy
Prepared by Connie Boyar Frenzel, Co-Chair, Advocacy Outreach & Education Committee, Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area
Advocacy makes a difference. Thanks to the voices of self-advocates, families, providers, and disability organizations across California, several important protections were preserved in this year’s state budget. At the same time, significant policy changes at both the state and federal levels continue to affect the autism and developmental disability community.
Below is a summary of key developments, why they matter, and how you can get involved.
California Budget: Key Updates
Medi-Cal Asset Limits
One of the most significant disability-related budget decisions involved Medi-Cal asset limits.
The California Legislature did not adopt the Governor’s proposal to immediately reduce the Medi-Cal asset limit to $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Instead, the current asset limit of $130,000 for an individual will remain in place through June 30, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2027, the asset limit is scheduled to decrease to $21,000 for an individual and $31,000 for a couple, with additional allowances for larger households.
Why it matters: Maintaining the higher asset limit for another year provides greater financial stability for many individuals with disabilities and their families.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
The Legislature also rejected the Governor’s proposed reductions to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program following significant feedback from consumers, families, providers, and disability advocacy organizations.
Why it matters: IHSS allows many individuals with disabilities to remain safely in their homes and communities rather than requiring more restrictive settings.
Fair Share Plan
California adopted the Fair Share Plan, which requires certain large employers to contribute when significant numbers of their employees rely on Medi-Cal for health coverage.
Supporters believe this policy will generate additional funding to help strengthen California’s healthcare system as the state prepares for anticipated reductions in federal Medicaid funding.
Increased Special Education Funding
The 2026–2027 California budget includes additional investments in special education services, continuing the state’s commitment to supporting students with disabilities.
Areas to Continue Watching
Local Self-Determination Advisory Committees
Funding for Local Self-Determination Advisory Committees (LSDACs), which support trainings, community outreach, and resource fairs, has been reduced to approximately $1 million. Administration of these funds will now be managed by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Many advocates will be watching closely to understand how these changes affect local outreach and education efforts.
Regional Center Governing Boards
Following feedback from disability organizations, DDS revised its proposal regarding Regional Center governing boards.
Board membership will now be capped at 17 members. However, the final proposal removes previous statutory requirements that ensured strong representation by individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members.
Many disability advocacy organizations have expressed concern that these changes may reduce the direct representation of consumers and families in Regional Center governance.
State Legislation Needing Community Input
SB 974: Protecting Families Through Special Needs Trusts
If you own a home and hope to pass it to your child with a disability, Senate Bill 974 may be important to your family.
SB 974 would clarify that Special Needs Trusts qualify for Proposition 19’s parent-child property tax protections. This clarification would provide greater certainty for families planning long-term support for loved ones with disabilities.
The Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area has submitted a letter supporting this legislation.
How you can help: Consider contacting your State Senator and Assemblymember to encourage support for SB 974.
DDS Requests Public Feedback on “Cost Effective”
The Department of Developmental Services is requesting public input on its proposed definition of “cost effective.”
This definition could affect:
- Traditional Regional Center services
- Participant-directed services
- The Self-Determination Program
Public comments are being accepted through August 1, 2026.
Federal Updates Affecting the Autism Community
Proposed Federal Department Reorganization
The federal administration has announced plans to move the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), while transferring the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The Autism Society of America and other disability organizations have expressed concern that these changes could affect oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), transition services, and the special education complaint process.
Additional details are still being released, and advocacy organizations continue to monitor the proposed restructuring.
Olmstead and Community Integration
The U.S. Department of Justice recently issued a legal opinion regarding Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark Supreme Court decision recognizing unnecessary institutionalization as discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Although Olmstead remains established law, several disability advocacy organizations have expressed concern that the Department’s interpretation may signal a reduced emphasis on enforcing community integration protections. The long-term impact of this policy position is still developing.
Medicaid Work Requirements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an Interim Final Rule implementing Medicaid work requirements established under H.R. 1.
Beginning January 1, 2027, many adults ages 19–64 who receive coverage through Medicaid expansion programs, including some Medi-Cal beneficiaries, will be required to meet work, volunteer, educational, or other qualifying activity requirements to maintain health coverage.
While many individuals with disabilities qualify for exemptions, advocacy organizations have expressed concern that some eligible individuals could experience coverage disruptions because of administrative requirements or changes in eligibility determinations.
CMS is accepting public comments through July 31, 2026.
Resources for submitting comments are available through the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).
Your Voice Matters
Advocacy has already made a meaningful difference in protecting services for Californians with disabilities, and there are still opportunities to shape future policy.
Whether you choose to contact your legislators, submit public comments, attend public meetings, or share your personal experiences, your participation helps ensure that the voices of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities remain part of the conversation.
Together, we can continue working toward a more inclusive California where every individual has access to the supports and opportunities they need to thrive.
Sources and Additional Resources
- California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
- California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
- California Legislature
- California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Autism Society of America
- The Arc and The Arc of California
- Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA)
- Disability Voices United (DVU)
- California Disability Community Action Network (CDCAN)
The Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, support, and inclusion for individuals with autism and their families. We do not endorse or oppose political candidates or political parties. We encourage community members to stay informed and participate in the legislative process on issues that affect individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
