The legislation significantly expanded upon its landmark predecessor, the Lanterman Mental Retardation Services Act (AB 225), initially proposed in 1969.
In 1976, the Lanterman Act was amended to establish the right to treatment and rehabilitation services for persons with developmental disabilities.
In 2003 the definition of "substantial disability" was prospectively amended to require the existence of significant functional limitations in "three or more of [..] areas of major life activity..",.
[1] Previously, to have a "substantial disability" only required the existence of a significant functional limitation in one of the seven areas of major life activity.
Section 4620: "In order for the state to carry out many of its responsibilities as established in this division, the state shall contract with appropriate agencies to provide fixed points of contact in the community for persons with developmental disabilities and their families, to the end that such persons may have access to the facilities and services best suited to them throughout their lifetime.