AB 1367 UPDATE: January 30, 2007

We are very sad to inform you that our bill did not make it out of appropriations.  However, please be informed: this is not just another failed CAADAC licensure bill!   We want to let you know that along with the incredibly skillful guidance of our lobbyist, Willie Guerrero, at Kahn, Soares and Conway, your legislative committee removed all of the influential opposition to the bill and, if it weren't for the dismal financial situation of California, all indications were that licensure would have become law this year.  To let you know just how dismal the financial situation is, there were about 68 bills heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday, the cost of which totaled about 6 billion dollars.  Only about 20 bills passed -- with a total price tag to the state of 1.5 million! Willie Guerrero summed it up for us in this way: 

"As you may know by now, AB 1367 by Assemblyman DeSaulnier failed to pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee today.  While acknowledging all the hard work that went into this legislation and other worthy bills, the committee held most legislation with even a minor fiscal impact on the state.  This purely “fiscal” decision means that our licensure legislation, baring a reevaluation, will not become law this year.  Nevertheless, we will continue to take our case to all legislators and fight for reconsideration of this important measure.  If such efforts do not prove successful we can re-introduce our amended legislation in the next legislation session. Thank you all for your tremendous work on behalf of AB 1367. I look forward to continuing this important fight with you all in the months ahead." 

It is also important for you to know that CAADAC's message has clearly been heard at the capitol, and most believe that it is only a matter of time before this important piece of legislation goes through.  We will continue to explore our options and will continue the tremendous progress we've made toward our mission of ensuring that every alcoholic and addict seeking help receives it from highly qualified counselors.  

 
On behalf of the Legislative Committee, we would like to acknowledge all of you who have contributed to this most important legislation.  Thank you for your continued support and hard work!

The Appropriations Committee hearing for AB 1367, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Licensing Law is set for January 24, 2007 at 8:30am. The CAADAC Legislative Committee will represent CAADAC at the meeting.  You are also welcome to attend!  State Capital Building, Sacramento, CA Room 4202. 

AB 1367 Alcoholism and Drug Counselor Licensing Law (DeSaulnier) passes through the Assembly Business and Professions Committee! Click here for more information.

CAADAC is requesting your presence on Jan. 15th at 9:00 am at the State Capital, Room 447.  Click here for a map and further details.

CAADAC Prepares for Interim Hearing on AODA Counseling Profession

Rev. 9/19/07

CAADAC is now organizing materials and witnesses for an interim study committee focused on the profession of alcoholism and drug abuse counseling. This hearing will allow us to highlight for legislators the various problems associated with the provision of addiction counseling services in our great state – particularly in the private arena.

Join us for the hearing set for October 30th, 2007 in Monterey Park California.  Click here for more information.

This opportunity differs substantially from a typical hearing where our side may only have five minutes to present key arguments. Rather we will be a key participant in a hearing that will likely last over two hours and explore a variety of issues of interest to anyone who provides counseling services in California. For example, the committee may examine the need for counselor standards and state oversight in the private arena; the adequacy of counselor standards in the public arena; best practices in other states and countries; and the roles and interplay of the various organizations that cater to the provision of addiction counselor services. We have proved the committee staff with recommendations on panel topics and participants whom we expect will receive substantial consideration.

Once that agenda has been established we will work with our contacts, CAADAC members and constituents to build interest in this important hearing. Having involvement by all interested constituents and individuals will expand our scope of influence beyond the legislature to the public at large and hopefully generate support for AB 1367!

 All of this will prove critical and provide momentum as our licensure legislation resumes its path to the Governor’s desk in January, 2008.

More will be revealed in the near future, please get involved now!  To send a letter of support for licensure click here!

2007 Licensure Bill AB1367 (Caution Big Download)