BILL ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
2283 (Chu)
Hearing Date: 8/12/04 Amended: 7/19/04 and
proposed to
be amended
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 $4,000+ General
for federal match.
Costs may be offset, to
some extent, by "800"
cost savings.
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STAFF COMMENTS: SUSPENSE FILE. Last year, the Public
Utilities Commission (PUC) established procedures for
implementing "211" for non-emergency services, 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 (members are not
compensated);
4.limits admin. costs to not more than 5% of any state
funds made available;
5.requires the PUC to evaluate and authorize requests for
the use of a 211 numbers, and authorizes the commission
to work with providers, carriers, and local public
agencies in improving the operation of, and access to, a
211 system; and
6.authorizes all state agencies to provide assistance in
implementing the provisions of this bill, including
promoting the use of the 211 system.
AB 2283 is intended to position California to receive
federal funds, should they become available, but does not
preclude the use of state funds for 211 implementation.
Pending federal legislation would appropriate $200 million
in matching funds to the states. If California received $4
million in federal funds, there would be General Fund cost
pressure to meet the match. To the extent that the 211
system eliminates the need for 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.