AB 1968

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing federal law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , known in California as CalFresh, under which supplemental nutrition assistance benefits allocated to the state by the federal government are distributed to eligible individuals by each county. Under existing law, the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (SSI/SSP) is, pursuant to contract, administered by the federal government and the department. This program provides cash assistance to low-income aged, blind, and disabled persons. Existing law requires the department to also establish the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to provide nutrition benefits to households that are ineligible for CalFresh benefits solely due to their immigration status, as specified. Existing law requires that CFAP benefits be equivalent to SNAP benefits. Under existing law, operative on the date that the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation for this purpose, an individual 55 years of age or older is eligible for CFAP benefits, subject to an appropriation. Existing law generally requires the federal and state laws and regulations governing the SSI/SSP program to also govern the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) . This bill would require, on or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the State Department of Social Services to create a system to automatically enroll and to enroll in the CalFresh program and the CFAP qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP and those who meet the eligibility requirements of the CAPI, as specified. The bill would require, commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department to require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet those requirements to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The bill would also require the department to require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist individuals with applying for those benefits for the purpose of establishing eligibility for benefits. The bill would require the department to collaborate with county agencies to effectuate these provisions, including after the automatic enrollment process takes effect. The bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2025, to seek any waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement these requirements. By imposing additional duties on counties implementing those programs, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.