BILL ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
2283 (Chu)
Hearing Date: 8/04/04 Amended: 7/19/04
Consultant: Lisa Matocq Policy Vote: E, U & C
6-3
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BILL SUMMARY: AB 2283 creates a process for implementing
the "211" system for non-emergency community information
and social services referral services, and designates the
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) as lead agency.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2004-05 2005-06
2006-07 Fund
HHSA Unknown costs, potentially $100-200
annually General
211 system Significant cost pressures,
potentially offset to General/
some extent by "800"
costs savings Federal
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STAFF COMMENTS: This bill meets the criteria for referral
to the Suspense File. The Federal Communications
Commission has designated "211" as the dialing code to be
used to access non-emergency services. Last year, the
Public Utilities Commission (PUC) established procedures
for implementing "211", and selected service providers in
five counties. A caller who dials "211" is routed to an
operator who in turn refers the caller to the appropriate
social service agency in a given county. This bill, among
other things:
1.designates the HHSA as the lead entity responsible for
developing a plan for the implementation of "211"
services throughout the state;
2.authorizes the HHSA to delegate responsibilities to
another entity (which could be another state agency, or a
private or nonprofit entity);
3.requires the HHSA to establish a "211" advisory committee
to assist in the development of a grant program to
allocate state and federal funds;
4.requires HHSA to report to the Legislature annually;
5.limits admin. costs to not more than 5% of any state
funds made available;
6.requires the PUC to select 211 providers, and authorizes
the commission to assist 211 providers, local carriers,
and local public agencies in improving the operation of,
and access to, a 211 system; and
7.authorizes all state agencies to provide assistance in
implementing the provisions of this bill, including
promoting the use of the 211 system.
Staff recommends that the bill be amended to clarify that
advisory committee members serve without compensation.
Pending federal legislation would appropriate $200 million
in matching funds to the states, for 211 systems. AB 2283
is intended to position California to receive such funds,
should they become available, but does not preclude the use
of state funds. To the extent that the 211 system
eliminates the need for various other state-sponsored "800"
telephone numbers, there could be some offsetting cost
savings. The bill may also result in unknown cost
pressures for the PUC and state agencies to provide 211
assistance.