Existing law vests in the State Department of Developmental Services jurisdiction over state hospitals referred to as developmental centers, including the Sonoma Developmental Center, for providing residential care to persons with developmental disabilities. Under existing law, if the department proposes the closure of a state developmental center, it is required to submit to the Legislature a detailed plan that contains certain information, including, among other things, a description of the land and buildings affected and existing lease arrangements at the developmental center.

This bill would require that, prior to the development of any plan for, or implementation of, any sale, lease, transfer, or major change of use of any portion of the Sonoma Developmental Center, the department and the Department of General Services confer and cooperate with public and private entities in the development of an improvement and redevelopment plan for the center. The bill would authorize the plan to contain specified elements, including plans for the development of new or improved public or private core resident care facilities on the site, the permanent protection, maintenance, operation, and potential expansion of the wildlife habitat corridor through the property connecting Sonoma Mountain and the Mayacamas Mountain Range, the creation of public recreational facilities, and potential expansion of water supply facilities consistent with natural resource protection.