Committee advances bill to clarify interoperability and funding for 988 crisis lifeline

Assemblymember Bauer Kehan presented AB 2093 as follow-up legislation to AB 988 intended to strengthen California's crisis response system. Bauer Kehan said agencies had defined interoperability differently than the legislature intended and the bill 'cleans that up' to ensure seamless transfers between 911 and 988. He also said the bill addresses funding instability for call centers that must plan beyond a one-year horizon.

Dr. Leandra Clark-Harvey, CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association, testified in support on behalf of CBHA and described how CBHA represents 988 call centers across every region of California. CBHA said AB 2093 builds on past implementation work, identifies operational gaps, and provides clarity and infrastructure to make the 988 system more effective.

Multiple cosponsors and partners registered on the record in support, including the Steinberg Institute, NAMI California, and CBHA affiliates. The committee recorded a motion to concur in the senate amendments and moved AB 2093 out of committee.