SACRAMENTO, CA – On February 12, 2026 Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 1052 to protect the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and ensure uninterrupted access to critical services as federal immigration raids put their support systems at risk. The bill would allow the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) to make contingent appointments, or in other words, designate backup authorized representatives to provide advocacy assistance to people with disabilities and help them access housing, jobs, self-advocacy training, case management, self-determination programs and other essential services through the regional center system if their primary caregiver is detained, deported or no longer able to help.  

Current law allows SCDD to appoint authorized representatives for individuals with IDD to support them in expressing their desires, making decisions, and advocating for their needs. SCDD appoints authorized representatives when an individual with IDD has either requested the appointment of an authorized representative or SCDD determines that the person’s rights will not be protected or advocated for without a representative. However, without the authority for SCDD to make contingent appointments, people with disabilities can suddenly lose their official representative and critical advocacy assistance in an emergency. That loss can disrupt essential services and increase the risk of placement in a conservatorship, a highly restrictive option that can remove significant legal rights.

In contrast, SCDD-appointed authorized representatives provide targeted support focused solely on navigating regional center services within California’s community-based, nonprofit network. This approach preserves individual rights, prevents unnecessary conservatorships, and ensures continued access to essential services.

SB 1052 strengthens additional critical safeguards to protect the rights of people with disabilities and enhances transparency by clearly outlining how SCDD determines when an authorized representative is needed and how long that appointment lasts. This ensures a consistent and person-centered process. 

SB 1052 is sponsored by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Integrated Community Collaborative, Disability Voices United, and The Arc of California. 

“No family should live in fear of what happens to their loved one with a disability if they are suddenly no longer able to be there to provide support,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez. “Yet that is the reality families are facing more and more every day, as reckless federal immigration raids tear families apart. SB 1052 provides clear, commonsense safeguards to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure they never lose the support, stability, and peace of mind they deserve, especially in these difficult times.”

“Every family asks the same question: what would happen to my loved one if I am suddenly not there?” said Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. “In today’s times, that question is more important than ever. This bill provides a clear answer and a real option for families to plan for the future with confidence.”

“People with developmental disabilities should not lose access to essential services because a family is facing a crisis,” said Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director of The Arc of California. “This legislation reinforces the promise of the Lanterman Act by ensuring individuals can have a representative when they need one most. By creating clear processes and safeguards, SB 1052 protects access to vital regional center services and provides stability during some of the most vulnerable moments a family can face. We thank Senator Gonzalez for her leadership in advancing this critical protection.”

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Senator Lena Gonzalez proudly represents one million residents in California’s 33rd Senate District, which encompasses Southeast Los Angeles, the City and Port of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Catalina Island. She serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and is a dedicated advocate on key priorities that impact Californians from economic development and environmental justice to LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, digital equity and more. Senator Gonzalez has championed major policies, including broadband for all, expanding paid sick leave, advancing clean transportation incentives, and ending neighborhood oil drilling. She lives in Long Beach with her family. To learn more, visit www.sen.ca.gov/gonzalez.

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) disrupts systems to make them work better – more effective, efficient, agile, and accountable – for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. SCDD is an independent state agency, created by federal and state law, and led by individuals with IDD and their families. Through this work, SCDD makes California the best place to live for individuals with IDD and their families.

Established in 1950, The Arc of California promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The Arc of California provides supports and services to thousands of individuals with disabilities and their families through its 20 chapters across the state.