SB 258, Senator Laird. Aging.
This bill adds human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status to the list of noneconomic factors that restrict an individual’s ability to perform normal daily tasks or that threaten capacity to live independently, in the context of greatest social need for services under the Older Californians Act (OCA). According to the Author, “Other states, such as Illinois in 2019, have already designated their older adults living with HIV as a target population of “greatest social SB 258 Page 2 need.” SB 258 provides California with the opportunity to continue leading the nation by ensuring that older adults living with HIV have the resources they need to age in place with dignity.
SB 272, Senator Laird. California Conservation Corps
This bill increases the age of eligibility to enroll in a certified community conservation corps from 18-25 to 18-26; and makes changes to specified codes to use gender-neutral language. Although the CCC was originally conceived as a labor source for trail maintenance and restoration, it has evolved to a workforce development program. Corps members learn skills such as, forestry management, energy auditing and installation, emergency services management, and firefighting. Many corps members also receive their high school diplomas and industry certifications at the conclusion of their service. This law immediately changes all incidences of “He/she” to the gender neutral “they/them”
According to the author, “While California has lead on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and equality, our laws have not kept pace. It’s time we change archaic references within state law that are future forward and adequately represent those who dedicate themselves to our state.”
