California 2023 2023-2024 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1968 Amended / Bill

Filed 04/04/2024

                    Amended IN  Assembly  April 04, 2024 Amended IN  Assembly  March 21, 2024 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1968Introduced by Assembly Member JacksonJanuary 30, 2024An act to add Section 18900.35 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh. supplemental nutrition assistance.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1968, as amended, Jackson. CalFresh: enrollment supplemental nutrition assistance for senior citizens.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, and generally prohibits a resident of an institution, including the state prison or a county jail, from receiving these benefits. Existing law also authorizes counties to participate in the CalFresh Employment and Training program, established by federal law, to provide work experience or training and job search training to CalFresh recipients. 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 shall to enroll in the CalFresh program and the CFAP qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP) SSI/SSP and those who meet those requirements but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. 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 the those requirements of the SSI/SSP to notify then 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 CalFresh those benefits for the purpose of establishing eligibility for CalFresh 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 the program, 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.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY  Appropriation: NO  Fiscal Committee: YES  Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 18900.35 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18900.35. (a) On or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the department shall create a system to automatically enroll and shall enroll in the CalFresh program and the California Food Assistance Program both of the following categories of qualifying individuals:(1) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP).(2) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP, but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.(b) (1) Until the automatic enrollment process takes effect, the department shall require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP described in subdivision (a) to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The department shall also require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist qualifying individuals who meet the those eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP with applying for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a). The assistance shall be for the purpose of notifying these individuals of their potential estimated benefit and establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a).(2) Commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department shall inform qualifying individuals enrolled in the CalFresh program for benefits, as described by subdivision (a), pursuant to this section of their CalFresh benefit. The department may provide notice by mail.(c) The department shall collaborate with health and human services county agencies to effectuate this section, including continued collaboration after the automatic enrollment process takes effect.(d) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement this section.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

 Amended IN  Assembly  April 04, 2024 Amended IN  Assembly  March 21, 2024 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1968Introduced by Assembly Member JacksonJanuary 30, 2024An act to add Section 18900.35 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh. supplemental nutrition assistance.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1968, as amended, Jackson. CalFresh: enrollment supplemental nutrition assistance for senior citizens.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, and generally prohibits a resident of an institution, including the state prison or a county jail, from receiving these benefits. Existing law also authorizes counties to participate in the CalFresh Employment and Training program, established by federal law, to provide work experience or training and job search training to CalFresh recipients. 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 shall to enroll in the CalFresh program and the CFAP qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP) SSI/SSP and those who meet those requirements but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. 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 the those requirements of the SSI/SSP to notify then 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 CalFresh those benefits for the purpose of establishing eligibility for CalFresh 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 the program, 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.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY  Appropriation: NO  Fiscal Committee: YES  Local Program: YES 

 Amended IN  Assembly  April 04, 2024 Amended IN  Assembly  March 21, 2024

Amended IN  Assembly  April 04, 2024
Amended IN  Assembly  March 21, 2024

 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION

 Assembly Bill 

No. 1968

Introduced by Assembly Member JacksonJanuary 30, 2024

Introduced by Assembly Member Jackson
January 30, 2024

An act to add Section 18900.35 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh. supplemental nutrition assistance.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 1968, as amended, Jackson. CalFresh: enrollment supplemental nutrition assistance for senior citizens.

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, and generally prohibits a resident of an institution, including the state prison or a county jail, from receiving these benefits. Existing law also authorizes counties to participate in the CalFresh Employment and Training program, established by federal law, to provide work experience or training and job search training to CalFresh recipients. 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 shall to enroll in the CalFresh program and the CFAP qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP) SSI/SSP and those who meet those requirements but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. 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 the those requirements of the SSI/SSP to notify then 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 CalFresh those benefits for the purpose of establishing eligibility for CalFresh 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 the program, 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.

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, and generally prohibits a resident of an institution, including the state prison or a county jail, from receiving these benefits. Existing law also authorizes counties to participate in the CalFresh Employment and Training program, established by federal law, to provide work experience or training and job search training to CalFresh recipients. 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 shall to enroll in the CalFresh program and the CFAP qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP) SSI/SSP and those who meet those requirements but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. 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 the those requirements of the SSI/SSP to notify then 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 CalFresh those benefits for the purpose of establishing eligibility for CalFresh 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 the program, 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.

## Digest Key

## Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 18900.35 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18900.35. (a) On or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the department shall create a system to automatically enroll and shall enroll in the CalFresh program and the California Food Assistance Program both of the following categories of qualifying individuals:(1) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP).(2) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP, but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.(b) (1) Until the automatic enrollment process takes effect, the department shall require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP described in subdivision (a) to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The department shall also require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist qualifying individuals who meet the those eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP with applying for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a). The assistance shall be for the purpose of notifying these individuals of their potential estimated benefit and establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a).(2) Commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department shall inform qualifying individuals enrolled in the CalFresh program for benefits, as described by subdivision (a), pursuant to this section of their CalFresh benefit. The department may provide notice by mail.(c) The department shall collaborate with health and human services county agencies to effectuate this section, including continued collaboration after the automatic enrollment process takes effect.(d) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement this section.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 18900.35 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18900.35. (a) On or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the department shall create a system to automatically enroll and shall enroll in the CalFresh program and the California Food Assistance Program both of the following categories of qualifying individuals:(1) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP).(2) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP, but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.(b) (1) Until the automatic enrollment process takes effect, the department shall require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP described in subdivision (a) to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The department shall also require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist qualifying individuals who meet the those eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP with applying for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a). The assistance shall be for the purpose of notifying these individuals of their potential estimated benefit and establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a).(2) Commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department shall inform qualifying individuals enrolled in the CalFresh program for benefits, as described by subdivision (a), pursuant to this section of their CalFresh benefit. The department may provide notice by mail.(c) The department shall collaborate with health and human services county agencies to effectuate this section, including continued collaboration after the automatic enrollment process takes effect.(d) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement this section.

SECTION 1. Section 18900.35 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:

### SECTION 1.

18900.35. (a) On or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the department shall create a system to automatically enroll and shall enroll in the CalFresh program and the California Food Assistance Program both of the following categories of qualifying individuals:(1) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP).(2) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP, but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.(b) (1) Until the automatic enrollment process takes effect, the department shall require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP described in subdivision (a) to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The department shall also require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist qualifying individuals who meet the those eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP with applying for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a). The assistance shall be for the purpose of notifying these individuals of their potential estimated benefit and establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a).(2) Commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department shall inform qualifying individuals enrolled in the CalFresh program for benefits, as described by subdivision (a), pursuant to this section of their CalFresh benefit. The department may provide notice by mail.(c) The department shall collaborate with health and human services county agencies to effectuate this section, including continued collaboration after the automatic enrollment process takes effect.(d) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement this section.

18900.35. (a) On or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the department shall create a system to automatically enroll and shall enroll in the CalFresh program and the California Food Assistance Program both of the following categories of qualifying individuals:(1) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP).(2) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP, but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.(b) (1) Until the automatic enrollment process takes effect, the department shall require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP described in subdivision (a) to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The department shall also require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist qualifying individuals who meet the those eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP with applying for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a). The assistance shall be for the purpose of notifying these individuals of their potential estimated benefit and establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a).(2) Commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department shall inform qualifying individuals enrolled in the CalFresh program for benefits, as described by subdivision (a), pursuant to this section of their CalFresh benefit. The department may provide notice by mail.(c) The department shall collaborate with health and human services county agencies to effectuate this section, including continued collaboration after the automatic enrollment process takes effect.(d) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement this section.

18900.35. (a) On or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the department shall create a system to automatically enroll and shall enroll in the CalFresh program and the California Food Assistance Program both of the following categories of qualifying individuals:(1) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP).(2) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP, but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.(b) (1) Until the automatic enrollment process takes effect, the department shall require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP described in subdivision (a) to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The department shall also require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist qualifying individuals who meet the those eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP with applying for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a). The assistance shall be for the purpose of notifying these individuals of their potential estimated benefit and establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a).(2) Commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department shall inform qualifying individuals enrolled in the CalFresh program for benefits, as described by subdivision (a), pursuant to this section of their CalFresh benefit. The department may provide notice by mail.(c) The department shall collaborate with health and human services county agencies to effectuate this section, including continued collaboration after the automatic enrollment process takes effect.(d) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement this section.



18900.35. (a) On or before January 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the department shall create a system to automatically enroll and shall enroll in the CalFresh program and the California Food Assistance Program both of the following categories of qualifying individuals:

(1) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP).

(2) Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP, but are not eligible for SSI/SSP benefits solely due to the individuals immigration status. Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.

(b) (1) Until the automatic enrollment process takes effect, the department shall require county eligibility workers to regularly contact qualifying individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP described in subdivision (a) to notify them of their estimated potential benefit, including through notice by mail. The department shall also require county eligibility workers to conduct interviews and assist qualifying individuals who meet the those eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP with applying for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a). The assistance shall be for the purpose of notifying these individuals of their potential estimated benefit and establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits. benefits, as described in subdivision (a).

(2) Commencing January 1, 2026, or after the automatic enrollment process takes effect, whichever is sooner, the department shall inform qualifying individuals enrolled in the CalFresh program for benefits, as described by subdivision (a), pursuant to this section of their CalFresh benefit. The department may provide notice by mail.

(c) The department shall collaborate with health and human services county agencies to effectuate this section, including continued collaboration after the automatic enrollment process takes effect.

(d) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture necessary to implement this section.

SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

### SEC. 2.