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AB-870 • 2026

California Children’s Services Program: county designation.

California Children’s Services Program: county designation.

Children Healthcare
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Hadwick
Last action
Official status
Chaptered
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text does not specify an effective date other than enactment.

AB-870: Allowing Tiny Counties to Share CCS Program Management

This law lets counties with fewer than 2,000 people ask another county to run their California Children's Services Program if both agree and meet specific rules.

What This Bill Does

  • Allows counties with under 2,000 residents to choose a different county to manage the program for them.
  • Requires the chosen county to agree to take over the work and follow state health standards set by the Director of Health Care Services.
  • Blocks this option if either county is part of the Whole Child Model Medi-Cal plan.
  • Orders the Department of Health Care Services to write new rules so counties can use this change.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Counties with fewer than 2,000 people living there.
  • The State Department of Health Care Services.
  • Children under age 21 who need medical help for specific conditions like cystic fibrosis or hemophilia.

Terms To Know

California Children's Services (CCS) Program
A state program that gives medically necessary services to children under 21 with certain serious health problems if they meet financial rules.
Whole Child Model county
A county using a specific Medi-Cal plan for young people, which prevents it from sharing CCS duties under this new law.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This change only works if the other county agrees to help and meets all state standards.
  • The official text does not list a specific start date for these changes beyond when the bill is enacted.
  • Counties with more than 2,000 people cannot use this new option.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Chaptered

Official Summary Text

California Children’s Services Program: county designation.