AB 7

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing federal law provides for allocation of federal funds through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program to eligible states, with California's version of this program being known as the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. Under the CalWORKs program each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals who meet specified eligibility criteria. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income persons are provided with health care services. Existing law provides for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly the Food Stamp Program) , a federal program administered at the state level by the State Department of Social Services, under which each county provides nutrition assistance benefits to eligible households. This bill, notwithstanding any other law, would authorize the State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services to implement a centralized statewide eligibility and enrollment process for the CalWORKs program, the Medi-Cal program, and SNAP. The bill would declare the intent of the Legislature that the development of the process achieve specified outcomes. This bill would designate the powers and duties of the departments with respect to the development of the centralized eligibility and enrollment process, including the development of a comprehensive plan, which the bill would require the departments to submit to the fiscal and applicable policy committees of the Legislature, at least 45 days prior to a request for an appropriation. The bill would authorize the departments to implement the plan, subsequent to receiving statutory authorization and an appropriation, as specified. This bill would require the departments to convene a stakeholder steering committee for consultation in the development of the statewide eligibility and enrollment determination process and comprehensive plan. Implementation of the bill would be contingent upon the availability of federal financial participation for its purposes. This bill would provide that it would not change, or in any manner modify, eligibility for the CalWORKS program, the Medi-Cal program, or SNAP. This bill would provide for the implementation of its provisions through all-county letters or similar instructions, but would also provide the departments emergency regulation authority, as specified. The California Constitution authorizes the Governor to declare a fiscal emergency and to call the Legislature into special session for that purpose. The Governor issued a proclamation declaring a fiscal emergency, and calling a special session for this purpose, on July 1, 2009. This bill would state that it addresses the fiscal emergency declared by the Governor by proclamation issued on July 1, 2009, pursuant to the California Constitution.