In 2023, California passed Senate Bill 138 to make regional center services easier to access and understand, and more consistent across California.
The Department released the latest Senate Bill 138 Initiatives Summary in August. This document explains what the law requires, what work is done, and where work continues.
Here’s a look at some of the work still underway
Reviewing regional center services and generic services
Services that regional centers commonly provide are being reviewed to see if there are any gaps and find ways to improve access across the State. The review includes ways to increase support with accessing generic services. A guide is being created for individuals and families about services available through other public agencies, such as schools and health care programs.
Developing a Standardized In-Home Respite Tool
Following testing with thousands of families, the Department announced a pause in the further development of a standardized respite assessment tool in July 2026. Regional centers will continue using their current methods to determine respite hours.
Improving the intake process
When someone applies for regional center services, they go through a process called intake. This includes gathering information and finding out if they are eligible for services. Right now, regional centers have different procedures. SB 138 requires the intake process to become more consistent across California. Input from individuals, families, advocates, community-based organizations, representatives of partnering agencies and regional centers continue to guide this work.
The Standardized Intake Development Plan shows when each step of the process will be created and tested in the coming years.
Read the Senate Bill 138 Initiatives Summary and Standardized Intake Development Plan to learn more about the progress made and what comes next.