California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1288

Introduced
2/21/25  
Refer
3/13/25  
Report Pass
4/10/25  
Refer
3/13/25  
Report Pass
4/10/25  
Refer
4/21/25  
Report Pass
4/10/25  
Report Pass
4/23/25  
Refer
4/23/25  
Refer
5/14/25  
Report Pass
5/23/25  
Engrossed
6/3/25  
Refer
6/4/25  
Refer
6/18/25  
Report Pass
7/3/25  
Refer
7/3/25  
Refer
7/14/25  
Report Pass
8/29/25  
Enrolled
9/12/25  
Enrolled
9/12/25  
Chaptered
10/3/25  
Passed
10/3/25  

Caption

An act to amend Sections 106615, 106625, 106635, 106665, 106670, 106675, 106680, 106685, and 106690 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health.

Impact

The bill aims to modernize practices within the State Department of Public Health by removing outdated educational prerequisites, specifically the requirement that coursework be equal to what is acceptable in an approved environmental health degree program. By incorporating body art and medical waste management into the scope of practice, AB 1288 enhances the role of registered environmental health specialists in safeguarding public health. This change is anticipated to facilitate better preparedness and response in areas increasingly important to community health and safety.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1288, sponsored by Assemblymember Addis, proposes amendments to the existing regulations surrounding the certification and scope of practice of registered environmental health specialists in California. This bill seeks to update the educational and training requirements and aims to streamline the registration process by allowing candidates to be re-examined sooner after initial failures. Notably, the bill extends the timeframe an environmental health specialist trainee can work under supervision to five years, accommodating those who may require more time to complete their training requirements.

Sentiment

The sentiment around AB 1288 appears to be largely positive among proponents of environmental public health. Supporters argue the amendments will enhance the ability of health specialists to respond to emerging public health issues, thereby improving overall community health outcomes. However, there may be concerns from skeptics regarding the dilution of educational standards that ensure environmental health specialists are adequately trained to deal with complex public health challenges.

Contention

Some notable points of contention may arise around the removal of the restrictive educational criteria and its potential impact on the quality of training for environmental health specialists. Critics might argue that such changes could compromise the professionalism of the field and the safety of public health initiatives. Additionally, discussions may focus on the implications of extending the supervision period for trainees, as it could affect the timely entry of new professionals into the workforce, potentially impacting service delivery in local health departments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB381

An act to amend Section 1798.24 of the Civil Code, and to amend Sections 102645 and 102685 of, to amend, repeal, and add Section 102705 of, to add Sections 102620 and 102706 to, and to repeal Section 102675 of, the Health and Safety Code, relating to vital records.

CA AB460

Radiologic technologists: venipuncture: direct supervision.

CA AB1264

Pupil nutrition: restricted school foods and ultraprocessed foods of concern: prohibition.

CA SB1186

An act to amend Section 102635 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to vital records.

CA AB64

Vital records.

CA AB594

An act to amend Section 10965.

CA HB4594

Health occupations: dentists; use of the title "dental specialist"; prohibit. Amends sec. 16605 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16605). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4593'25

CA HB6332

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia, as the "Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building".

CA AB1129

An act to amend Sections 103825, 103835, 103840, 103845, 103850, 103855, 124977, 124991, and 125002 of, and to add Sections 103827 and 103832 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health.

CA SB3294

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia, as the "Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building".

Similar Bills

OR SB5520

Relating to the financial administration of the Department of Environmental Quality; and declaring an emergency.

TX HB4839

Relating to the development, promotion, and funding of certain recycling projects.

MD HB274

State Board of Environmental Health Specialists - Sunset Extension

NY S01171

Establishes a town of Huntington deer management pilot program.

TX HB2584

Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue permits for the land application of water produced from certain mining and oil and gas extraction operations.

TX SB1145

Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue permits for the land application of water produced from certain mining and oil and gas extraction operations.

MD SB119

State Board of Environmental Health Specialists - Sunset Extension

ME LD1065

An Act Regarding the Reduction and Recycling of Food Waste