California Legislative Update: Bills Awaiting Governor's Action

Three significant pieces of legislation affecting dental practice and education have advanced to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) desk and now await his signature or veto. Each measure carries important implications for dental providers, schools and patients across California:

• SB-386 sponsored by Sen. Monique Limón (D) – Dental Provider Fee-based Payments
• This consumer protection measure would end the practice of automatically charging dental providers fees to access their insurance reimbursements. Under the legislation, health plans and insurers must establish fee-free payment methods as the default option and obtain written consent before implementing any fee-based payment systems. Providers could opt out at any time and would receive full transparency about fees and profit-sharing arrangements between insurers and payment vendors. The bill takes effect April 1, 2026, for all new or renewed contracts, addressing longstanding concerns about payment processing fees that reduce actual provider reimbursements.
• AB-341 sponsored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D) – Oral Health for People With Disabilities Program
• This groundbreaking initiative would partner the state’s Department of Developmental Services with California dental schools to create a statewide technical assistance program for serving patients with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The program aims to reduce reliance on sedation and general anesthesia by implementing teledentistry systems and community-based treatment approaches. Up to 21 regional centers would participate, with dental schools providing training, operational support and ongoing monitoring. The legislation recognizes that people with disabilities face significant barriers to dental care, including longer wait times and higher costs under current treatment protocols. Implementation requires legislative funding and would run through 2032.
• SB-682 sponsored by Sen. Benjamin Allen (D) – PFAS Restrictions in Consumer Products
• The Phasing Out Unnecessary Uses of PFAS Act of 2025 expands California’s ban on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products, specifically dental floss among prohibited items. Beginning in 2028, products containing intentionally added PFAS cannot be sold or distributed in California, potentially affecting product availability for dental practices. The legislation creates oversight funding mechanisms and includes limited exemptions only for products with “essential uses” lacking viable alternatives.

All three bills have passed the legislature and await Gov. Newsom’s decision by the end of the legislative session.