Updated June, 2017

PURPOSE/FUNCTION: 
The Committee analyzes legislative proposals for possible CAMFT sponsorship and makes recommendations to the Board. The Legislative Committee also reviews state and federal bills as they arise, and makes recommendations to the Executive Director on CAMFT position. Committee recommendations on bills determined by the Executive Director to be controversial will also be reviewed by the Board.

COMPOSITION: 
The Legislative Committee shall consist of up to six (6) members, a majority of whom shall be clinical members. No more than one (1) Board member shall serve on this Committee. Diversity in committee composition is desired.

All Committee members shall have been members of the Association for at least two (2) years prior to appointment. All Committee members shall have prior experience with local, state or federal politics or legislative advocacy. In making appointments, the President shall give consideration to: special competence; geographic distribution; and, political party affiliations. A chair of the Committee shall be selected by the Committee.

TERM: 
Committee members are appointed and serve with the approval of the Board of Directors for a two (2) year term. A member may serve as Chair for one (1) term.

A Committee member may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze proposals submitted for possible CAMFT sponsored bills, and provide recommendation to the Board of Directors
• Review/analyze/recommend position to the Executive Director on legislation that is controversial, complicated and/or has large scale impact on CAMFT membership or the mental health field; identify relevant constituents for input
• Maintain high awareness of state and federal legislative efforts that could affect LMFTs and/or all psychotherapists. Strong familiarity with goals of CAMFT’s Strategic Plan (Advocacy Section)
• Respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner
• Mandatory attendance at meetings including, but not limited to:
  • One (1) full day meeting, during the summer months, to assist in the development of the upcoming year’s state legislative proposals;
  • Two (2) separate half day meetings, approximately two to five (2-5) weeks after the late February state bill introduction deadline to discuss CAMFT positions;
  • Via conference call or email, as it is deemed necessary on any material changes to legislation or CAMFT’s positions, or as requested by the Executive Director or Legislative Staff. Decisions on legislation/positions will be made based on a majority of the Legislative Committee who vote via email or phone by the stated deadline.
• If a quorum cannot be reached and urgent decisions are required on legislation/positions, the Committee delegates authority to the Executive Director and President and/or Committee Chair to make a decision on behalf of the Committee.
• Committee members are required to sign: Committee Member Participation Agreement, Conflict of Interest Policy, Anti-Trust Compliance Policy, and Consent to Electronic Transmission.

CAMFT Committees