2-1-1 information and referral response system.

The bill text was reformatted from a printed legislative document (with line numbers, page headers like 'AB 1832 -2-', and two-column layout) to a web-based presentation with navigation menus, quick search, and different text flow. No statutory language was added, removed, or altered.

The bill changed from a one-section intent statement to a multi-section act (titled the '2-1-1 Infrastructure and Emergency Response Act') with binding requirements on the PUC, the 2-1-1 lead entity, and state agencies.

New Section 280.3(a) requires the PUC to convene state emergency planning agencies (including Cal OES, CAL FIRE, CDSS, CDPH) and the 2-1-1 lead entity to establish communication channels and integrate 2-1-1 into state emergency planning and communications processes.

New Section 280.3(b) requires the PUC to support 2-1-1 providers in enhancing system capacity (staffing, training, data collection, multilingual access), closing coverage gaps for equitable statewide access, publishing a community needs data dashboard, strengthening resource databases, developing aligned protocols with 9-1-1 and 9-8-8, promoting public awareness, improving disaster readiness, and implementing the duties of the 2-1-1 lead entity.

New Section 280.3(c) requires the 2-1-1 lead entity (identified as 211 California) to conduct statewide system activities, provide funding if available to local 2-1-1 providers, and submit annual reports to the PUC on system status, fund use, and future funding needs.

New Section 280.3(e) requires the PUC to convene relevant state agencies, utilities, advocates, and persons involved in the 2-1-1 system to evaluate utility financial assistance, savings, and discount program awareness, referral practices, and outcomes, and to explore connecting eligible households to those programs through 2-1-1.

New Section 280.3(f) creates the 2-1-1 Fund in the State Treasury to be used for purposes of the new section. The legislative findings note that unlike 9-1-1 and 9-8-8, the 2-1-1 system has no dedicated funding source.

New Section 280.3(d) requires the PUC to annually communicate 2-1-1 system funding needs to the Department of Finance and the Governor's office for consideration in state budget planning.

The fiscal committee vote changed from 'no' to 'yes' and the state-mandated local program designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' reflecting the new operational requirements and funding mechanisms.

New Section 2 adds legislative findings declaring that PUC has established procedures for 2-1-1 dialing, appointed 211 California as the lead entity, that Californians must access 2-1-1 year-round and during disasters, and that a fund is essential to pool funding from different sources.

A reimbursement provision (Section 4) was added stating no reimbursement is required under Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the act does not create or change crimes or infractions.

New Section 8588.4 added to the Government Code, making Cal OES (not the PUC) the primary agency responsible for convening state emergency planning agencies, establishing communication channels, integrating 2-1-1 into emergency planning processes, and supporting 2-1-1 providers with capacity, data dashboards, and disaster readiness.

The PUC's role under Section 280.3 of the Public Utilities Code is now secondary to Cal OES. The PUC still convenes agencies and supports providers under that section, but the new Government Code section gives Cal OES parallel authority, effectively making it the lead emergency management body for 2-1-1 integration.

The legislative intent statement (former Section 1) declaring the Legislature's intent to enact future legislation increasing centralized access to 2-1-1 response services as part of the statewide emergency system was removed entirely.

The 2-1-1 Fund in the State Treasury now requires appropriation by the Legislature before moneys can be used. Previously the fund was created without this explicit appropriation condition, meaning funds could theoretically be used once deposited.

The legislative finding about creating a fund was softened from 'it is essential to create a fund to pool funding' to 'it would benefit the public to create a fund to pool funding,' reducing the mandatory tone of the justification.

Fiscal committee review changed from 'no' to 'yes,' and state-mandated local program designation changed from 'yes' to 'no.' This indicates the bill now triggers fiscal analysis but is no longer classified as imposing a state-mandated local program.

The lead agency responsible for convening emergency planning agencies, supporting 2-1-1 providers, and communicating funding needs changed from the Public Utilities Commission to Cal OES (California Office of Emergency Services).

Section 280.3 of the Public Utilities Code was removed entirely. The bill now only adds Section 8588.4 to the Government Code, consolidating all provisions under Cal OES authority.

The state-mandated local program designation changed from 'yes' to 'no,' indicating the Senate version does not impose new mandates on local agencies that would trigger reimbursement obligations under the California Constitution.

The 2-1-1 Fund now explicitly requires legislative appropriation before moneys can be used, and Cal OES must allocate appropriated funds to the California 211 Providers Network (211 California) to carry out the specified activities. Previously the fund was created without an explicit appropriation condition in the operative text.

The requirement for the PUC to convene state agencies, utilities, advocates, and persons involved in the 2-1-1 system to evaluate utility financial assistance, savings, and discount program awareness, referral practices, and outcomes was removed.

Annual reporting responsibility shifted: previously the 2-1-1 lead entity reported to the PUC; now the California 211 Providers Network reports directly to Cal OES on system status, fund use, and future funding needs.