CAFP’s sponsored bill, AB 85, an important step in addressing health-related social needs to improve health outcomes and equity, passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Any bill with a fiscal impact or a state cost is heard in the Appropriations Committee. In the Senate Appropriations Committee, if a bill has an annual cost of more than $150,000, it is sent to the Suspense File. Because AB 85 has an annual cost of more than $150,000, it was placed on the Suspense File. No testimony is presented – author or witness – at the Suspense File hearing. If a bill does not make it off the Suspense File, it does not continue through the legislative process. AB 85 received a majority vote, 5-1, and is now headed to the Senate Floor for a vote by the entire Senate Body. Thank you to all who participated in CAFP’s grassroot efforts such as messaging your legislator to convey the importance of the bill and amplifying the bill through social media post. AB 85 would not have made it this far in the legislative process without the advocacy efforts of CAFP members and coalition partners. To view the suspense hearing, visit here.
