On April 17, 2024 our Board met with the legislative director for Senator Blakespear. The news we received was not ideal.
The Senate Health Committee will not hear SB 1196 as scheduled on April 22nd. Tireless efforts by Senator Blakespear's office and A Better Exit were not enough to overcome strong lobbying against the bill by the California Medical Association and Compassion and Choices. As a result, vote counting indicated that SB 1196 would likely receive a "no" vote in the Health Committee. Not wanting to jeopardize future consideration of the bill with a recorded "no” vote, Senator Blakespear decided it was best to pull the bill.
We’re very disappointed that the bill won’t be heard in this session. For those of you who made plans to go to Sacramento for the scheduled hearing, we’re so grateful that you were willing to make that effort. For those who sent in letters, we thank you for taking the time to show your support.
We are regrouping, strategizing, and plan to present a new bill next year.
What can you do to help? Most immediately, you can write a note to Senator Blakespear to let her know how much you appreciate the effort she made to get SB1196 passed. Her address:
Senator Catherine Blakespear
1021 O Street, Suite 7340
Sacramento, CA 95814
A Better Exit is committed to achieving a more compassionate End of Life Option Act for California, and we will stay the course until we succeed, no matter how long it takes. We are confident that with your support we will be successful.
Marcia, Christie. Janet, and Barry