SACRAMENTO – The California Legislature today passed Senate Bill 1261 by Senator John Laird, legislation to protect continued access to critical services for older adults and people with disabilities on the Central Coast during a regional transition affecting aging services. The bill now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration.

“Older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers rely on these services every day,” said Laird. “SB 1261 helps make sure those services remain available during this transition so no one falls through the cracks. I’m pleased to see it pass the Legislature and look forward to the Governor’s consideration.”

SB 1261 will allow the Aging and Disability Resource Connections (ADRCs) serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties to temporarily continue operating independently during the redesignation of regional Area Agencies on Aging.

ADRCs provide a “no wrong door” approach to aging and disability services, helping older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers connect with available programs and support regardless of where they first seek assistance. SB 1261 helps prevent disruptions in that system while the regional transition is underway. Without legislative action, the ADRC in Planning and Service Area 17 serving San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties will be forced to close on January 1, 2027, and the ADRC in Planning and Service Area 18 serving Ventura County could be forced to close next year as the county considers plans to step down from its role as an Area Agency on Aging.

SB 1261 is sponsored by the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging and California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.

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Senator John Laird represents the 17^th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties, and a majority of San Luis Obispo County. More information about Senator Laird can be found here.