AB 2160 (Rodriguez) continues to move forward in the California Legislature, and the California WIC Association is proud to co-sponsor the bill alongside the California Breastfeeding Coalition and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District IX. The legislation is focused on strengthening lactation support for breastfeeding families across California and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
AB 2160 has now passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with unanimous support and is headed to the Senate Floor for a vote. A Senate Floor vote is the final legislative step before the bill can head to the Governor’s desk.
Bill Amendments:
- In the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the provision allowing International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to enroll as independent Medi-Cal providers and receive direct reimbursement for services was removed from the bill. While this change was disappointing, AB 2160 still represents an important step toward improving access to lactation support for Medi-Cal families.
- Ahead of the Senate Health Committee hearing, AB 2160 was amended to require Medi-Cal Managed Care plans to report to the Department of Health Care Services the number of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants accessible within the plan network to plan members who require clinical lactation consultation services. This important reporting requirement will help identify gaps in access and inform future efforts to ensure families receive timely, evidence-based lactation care.
How You Can Help
AB 2160 is now headed to the Senate Floor, and we need your help getting it across the finish line!
CWA encourages supporters to:
- Call your State Senator and urge them to vote YES on AB 2160. Use our phone script to make your call quick and easy. Even if your Senator is not on the Senate Appropriations Committee, their vote will be important when AB 2160 reaches the Senate Floor.
- Continue sharing information with your networks about the importance of improving access to lactation support for California families.
- Thank legislators who have supported AB 2160 and encourage them to continue supporting the bill through the final Senate vote.
We are in the home stretch! Together, we can help AB 2160 reach the Governor’s desk and continue advocating for policies that help California families receive the care and support they need during the earliest stages of life.