SB 329 changes substance-use complaint investigation timing

What happened

California enacted SB 329 on September 27, adding Health and Safety Code sections 11832.121 and 11834.11. For complaints within its jurisdiction concerning a certified alcohol or other drug program or licensed recovery or treatment facility, DHCS must assign an analyst within 10 days of receipt. When a complaint is outside its jurisdiction, the department must, to the extent feasible, notify the complainant in writing, including electronically, that it does not investigate that complaint type. The investigation must be completed within 120 days of assignment unless DHCS determines it needs assistance from other state agencies or additional resources. The enactment is the event reported here; the applicable commencement of these provisions must be confirmed separately.

Both provisions require DHCS to maintain investigation records, including cases unfinished after 120 days. Beginning July 1, 2027, and each July 1 thereafter, the department must publish an annual report covering the previous year’s investigations, their types and the number not completed within 120 days. DHCS may impose a single certification or licensure fee increase commensurate with the reasonable cost of preparing and maintaining the report. The 10-day, 120-day and annual-report provisions belong to the agency; they do not create a universal new provider filing or response period.

Why it matters

Programs need records and staff available for actual department inquiries, but should not turn an agency investigation target into a new internal legal deadline for every provider response. The resource exceptions also mean that the 120-day period is not an unconditional promise of resolution.

Sources

• SB329 enacted final textOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-27 · Source review 2026-10-05