02/27/2026

Advocacy in Action

How CASA Protects Our ASCs and the Legislative Process

Advocacy is not optional in our industry — it is essential. The decisions made in Sacramento directly impact how our ASCs operate, how we are reimbursed, how we are regulated, and ultimately how we care for patients. Simply put, if we are not at the table, we are on the menu.

Because of your engagement — and your PAC contributions — CASA is able to actively monitor, influence, and protect the interests of ambulatory surgery centers across California. Your PAC dollars ensure we have a voice in critical policy conversations and access to the lawmakers shaping our industry’s future. We deeply appreciate your investment in protecting and advancing ASC care.

As expected, lawmakers filed a robust slate of proposals, setting the stage for another critical policy cycle.

With the new bill limits (35 bills for each legislator) enacted by both houses last year, there was a maximum of 670 Senate Bills (SB) and a maximum of 1,434 Assembly Bills (AB) that could be introduced in the 2026 legislative year, or 2,104 in total. The actual introductions this year were 561 SBs and 1,237 ABs (1,798 total bills) – several of which will have real implications to the ASC industry.

What’s Next on the Legislative Calendar

Bill Hearings Begin in March
Policy committees in both the Assembly and the Senate are beginning to schedule hearings, with the first round scheduled for the first week of March. Expect an early focus on healthcare, AI, education, public safety, energy, and housing-related measures.

Budget Committees Gear Up for May Revise
As we move into late winter and early spring, the Budget and Appropriations committees are actively prepping for the May Revision of the Governor’s proposed budget. Budget Committees have been holding agency-specific hearings and other informational briefings, with budget chairs emphasizing protections for healthcare access and affordability, responses to President Trump’s federal actions, AI regulations, workforce investments, and clean transportation investments, among other key topics.

CASA’s advocacy firm in Sacramento, Benchmark Advocacy, will continue to flag key budget issues as language gets introduced.

Democrats Convene

Last week’s Democratic convention in San Francisco wrapped without a formal endorsement for the next gubernatorial election. While several candidates were on the platform and spoke to the audience, party leaders opted not to back a single contender at this time, leaving the nomination landscape open as we move into the spring campaign season. Interestingly, though, recent polling suggests that Swalwell and Steyer are separating themselves from the pack — at least on the Democratic side.

With March 6th being the deadline for nominees to withdraw their names from the June 2nd primary, I would anticipate that we will see a couple of nominees drop out and endorse another candidate. We’ll see…

What’s next from Benchmark Advocacy — CASA’s Legislative Watchdog!

Priority Bill Lists — First Drafts
This week, CASA received the first drafts of our priority bill lists tailored to our industry. CASA’s Board and Advocacy Committee will then determine the next course of action. CASA will continue to provide timely updates and remain engaged with the Legislature, Governor’s Office, and regulatory agencies to ensure the ASC industry’s priorities are heard and taken into consideration as policies related to healthcare access and affordability are debated in Sacramento.