Bill > AB2126

This bill expands the definition of a "peer support specialist" to include current or former foster youth, recognizing their lived experience with trauma, recovery, and navigating systems. It also mandates that the State Department of Social Services grant an exemption from criminal background disqualification for these individuals if their offenses occurred before they turned 21, provided they will be working in a peer support role and not a direct caregiving capacity, and no further proof of rehabilitation is required. This aims to facilitate the employment of former foster youth in roles where their unique experiences can benefit others, particularly within the context of community care facilities and behavioral health services funded by the Medi-Cal program.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2126