Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs

Primary Functions

• Develops strategies for introducing and promoting legislation to implement the Department's sound public health principles.
• Monitors the State's political pulse through interactions with Legislators and their staff, public and private agencies, the health professional community, consumers, constituency groups and educational partners who express interest in public health. The Office uses this information as it advises the California Health and Human Services Agency and Governor on public health policy.
• Articulates Department and Administration policies to the California Legislature, in coordination with the California Health and Human Services Agency and the Governor.
• Provides technical assistance to California State legislators and their staff on the Department's various programs through briefings, testimony at informational hearings, individual meetings, periodic newsletters, fact sheets, etc.
• Builds and fosters strong partnerships for health with California State legislators and their staff.
• Monitors federal bills, policies and programs to ensure that the interests of the State are communicated and considered.

Secondary Functions

• Provides consultative and technical assistance to the Department's programs and the public.
• Ensures that the Department's bill analyses provide a sound basis for effective legislative advocacy. 
• Ensures that the Department's bill analyses synthesize the policies, activities and resource needs of its numerous programs.