SB 297 (Hurtado, D-Bakersfield)

SB 297 would require that, starting Jan. 1, 2028, adults receiving primary care in regions with a high incidence of valley fever be screened for valley fever, unless specific exceptions apply — such as prior testing, inability to consent, or emergency department treatment. This bill would also task the California Department of Public Health with identifying high-incidence regions, standardizing screening protocols, and providing training materials for providers. Local health departments would also be required to conduct public outreach, track compliance, and report data to strengthen valley fever prevention efforts.