California Assembly Bill AB1326

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/21
• Refer: 3/4/21
• Report Pass: 3/30/21
• Refer: 4/5/21
• Report Pass: 4/8/21
• Refer: 4/8/21
• Report Pass: 4/15/21
• Refer: 4/19/21
• Report Pass: 4/26/21
• Refer: 4/28/21
• Refer: 5/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/1/21
• Refer: 6/2/21
• Refer: 6/16/21
• Report Pass: 6/29/21
• Refer: 6/29/21
• Report Pass: 7/7/21
• Refer: 7/7/21
• Report Pass: 7/14/21
• Refer: 7/14/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/8/21
• Chaptered: 10/6/21
• Passed: 10/6/21

Caption

Public social services: county liaison for higher education.

Impact

The introduction of AB 1326 is significant as it establishes a clearer channel of communication and resource sharing between county services and public higher education institutions. By requiring counties to have designated liaisons, the bill aspires to elevate awareness of existing welfare programs such as CalFresh and CalWORKs among students who may qualify but are unaware of their eligibility. This proactive approach is anticipated to address the pressing needs of California students, particularly among those from marginalized communities who report higher levels of resource insecurity.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1326, introduced by Assemblymember Arambula, is designed to enhance support for college students facing challenges related to food and housing insecurity in California. The bill mandates that each county human services agency designate at least one employee as a staff liaison for public higher education institutions within their jurisdiction. This liaison will serve as a primary contact for academic counselors and staff to facilitate better access to county services, ultimately aiming to improve students' welfare and success in higher education.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding AB 1326 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for student welfare and education equity. Supporters praise the initiative as a necessary step toward addressing the fundamental needs of students, thereby facilitating their academic success. However, there is also a recognition of the challenges posed in implementing such a program, including potential resource limitations and the need for effective collaboration among various stakeholders in local government and educational institutions.

Contention

One notable point of contention involves the bill's requirement for counties to develop protocols for engagement between the human services agencies and academic institutions. While this is designed to streamline access to services, some critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of funding and whether counties will receive the necessary support to effectively implement these new duties. Furthermore, the efficacy of the liaisons will need to be closely monitored, as outlined in the bill's provision for a survey to assess their impact, with results to be reported by 2025.