California 2023-2024 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB518 Compare Versions

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1-Assembly Bill No. 518 CHAPTER 910An act to add Sections 18901.58 and 18901.59 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh. [ Approved by Governor September 28, 2024. Filed with Secretary of State September 28, 2024. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 518, Wicks. CalFresh: data.Existing federal law establishes the 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.Existing law requires the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Social Services to work together with specified stakeholders to develop a proposed statewide process for using data collected for purposes of the CalFresh program, Medi-Cal, free and reduced-price school meals programs, and the electronic benefits transfer system in order to increase enrollment in the CalFresh program, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the State Department of Social Services, under CalFresh provisions, to administer outreach programs and adopt rules and regulations requiring counties to conduct outreach programs to the extent permitted by federal law and eligible for federal financial participation.This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with various stakeholders, on or before July 1, 2025, to develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits. The bill would require the department to utilize the data and metrics to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.The bill would also authorize the department to identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:(a) More than one in five Californians suffer from food insecurity.(b) As lack of access to healthful food equates to ill health, poor educational outcomes, and poverty, guaranteeing access to healthy, culturally relevant food will ensure that fewer Californians will require the aid of Californias safety net programs, saving both lives and substantial taxpayer funds. For example, health care costs associated with food insecurity cost California more than $7 billion annually, more than any other state in the United States.(c) Research in child brain development has shown that even one experience of hunger as a child can impact a persons health and mental well-being throughout the rest of their life. Research has similarly demonstrated the long-term academic and economic consequences of hunger in limiting a persons life chances.(d) Hunger is exacerbated by racial and economic inequities, with 40 percent of Black households and 30 percent of Latino households in California experiencing hunger. In the County of Los Angeles alone, 23 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander residents live in food-insecure households. Additionally, a staggering 92 percent of Native American households suffer from food insecurity.(e) In 2023, California declared food as a human right, but the state has no plan for realizing this right. Just as California has deeply committed itself to providing health care, drinking water, and educational access, it must also comparably ensure access to adequate, nutritious, sustainably grown food in all communities across the state.(f) California must support a process by which the state and relevant stakeholders engage to evaluate CalFresh participation rates and identify opportunities to remove barriers to enrollment with a goal of increasing participation in critical food support services for all low-income Californians.SEC. 2. Section 18901.58 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.(b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.SEC. 3. Section 18901.59 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.(b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:(1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.(2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.(3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.(4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.(5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.(6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.
1+Enrolled September 05, 2024 Passed IN Senate August 30, 2024 Passed IN Assembly August 31, 2024 Amended IN Senate August 26, 2024 Amended IN Senate September 08, 2023 Amended IN Senate July 03, 2023 Amended IN Assembly April 04, 2023 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 518Introduced by Assembly Members Wicks and JacksonFebruary 07, 2023An act to add Sections 18901.58 and 18901.59 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 518, Wicks. CalFresh: data.Existing federal law establishes the 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.Existing law requires the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Social Services to work together with specified stakeholders to develop a proposed statewide process for using data collected for purposes of the CalFresh program, Medi-Cal, free and reduced-price school meals programs, and the electronic benefits transfer system in order to increase enrollment in the CalFresh program, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the State Department of Social Services, under CalFresh provisions, to administer outreach programs and adopt rules and regulations requiring counties to conduct outreach programs to the extent permitted by federal law and eligible for federal financial participation.This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with various stakeholders, on or before July 1, 2025, to develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits. The bill would require the department to utilize the data and metrics to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.The bill would also authorize the department to identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:(a) More than one in five Californians suffer from food insecurity.(b) As lack of access to healthful food equates to ill health, poor educational outcomes, and poverty, guaranteeing access to healthy, culturally relevant food will ensure that fewer Californians will require the aid of Californias safety net programs, saving both lives and substantial taxpayer funds. For example, health care costs associated with food insecurity cost California more than $7 billion annually, more than any other state in the United States.(c) Research in child brain development has shown that even one experience of hunger as a child can impact a persons health and mental well-being throughout the rest of their life. Research has similarly demonstrated the long-term academic and economic consequences of hunger in limiting a persons life chances.(d) Hunger is exacerbated by racial and economic inequities, with 40 percent of Black households and 30 percent of Latino households in California experiencing hunger. In the County of Los Angeles alone, 23 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander residents live in food-insecure households. Additionally, a staggering 92 percent of Native American households suffer from food insecurity.(e) In 2023, California declared food as a human right, but the state has no plan for realizing this right. Just as California has deeply committed itself to providing health care, drinking water, and educational access, it must also comparably ensure access to adequate, nutritious, sustainably grown food in all communities across the state.(f) California must support a process by which the state and relevant stakeholders engage to evaluate CalFresh participation rates and identify opportunities to remove barriers to enrollment with a goal of increasing participation in critical food support services for all low-income Californians.SEC. 2. Section 18901.58 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.(b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.SEC. 3. Section 18901.59 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.(b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:(1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.(2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.(3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.(4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.(5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.(6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.
22
3- Assembly Bill No. 518 CHAPTER 910An act to add Sections 18901.58 and 18901.59 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh. [ Approved by Governor September 28, 2024. Filed with Secretary of State September 28, 2024. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 518, Wicks. CalFresh: data.Existing federal law establishes the 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.Existing law requires the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Social Services to work together with specified stakeholders to develop a proposed statewide process for using data collected for purposes of the CalFresh program, Medi-Cal, free and reduced-price school meals programs, and the electronic benefits transfer system in order to increase enrollment in the CalFresh program, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the State Department of Social Services, under CalFresh provisions, to administer outreach programs and adopt rules and regulations requiring counties to conduct outreach programs to the extent permitted by federal law and eligible for federal financial participation.This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with various stakeholders, on or before July 1, 2025, to develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits. The bill would require the department to utilize the data and metrics to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.The bill would also authorize the department to identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
3+ Enrolled September 05, 2024 Passed IN Senate August 30, 2024 Passed IN Assembly August 31, 2024 Amended IN Senate August 26, 2024 Amended IN Senate September 08, 2023 Amended IN Senate July 03, 2023 Amended IN Assembly April 04, 2023 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 518Introduced by Assembly Members Wicks and JacksonFebruary 07, 2023An act to add Sections 18901.58 and 18901.59 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 518, Wicks. CalFresh: data.Existing federal law establishes the 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.Existing law requires the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Social Services to work together with specified stakeholders to develop a proposed statewide process for using data collected for purposes of the CalFresh program, Medi-Cal, free and reduced-price school meals programs, and the electronic benefits transfer system in order to increase enrollment in the CalFresh program, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the State Department of Social Services, under CalFresh provisions, to administer outreach programs and adopt rules and regulations requiring counties to conduct outreach programs to the extent permitted by federal law and eligible for federal financial participation.This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with various stakeholders, on or before July 1, 2025, to develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits. The bill would require the department to utilize the data and metrics to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.The bill would also authorize the department to identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
44
5- Assembly Bill No. 518 CHAPTER 910
5+ Enrolled September 05, 2024 Passed IN Senate August 30, 2024 Passed IN Assembly August 31, 2024 Amended IN Senate August 26, 2024 Amended IN Senate September 08, 2023 Amended IN Senate July 03, 2023 Amended IN Assembly April 04, 2023
66
7- Assembly Bill No. 518
7+Enrolled September 05, 2024
8+Passed IN Senate August 30, 2024
9+Passed IN Assembly August 31, 2024
10+Amended IN Senate August 26, 2024
11+Amended IN Senate September 08, 2023
12+Amended IN Senate July 03, 2023
13+Amended IN Assembly April 04, 2023
814
9- CHAPTER 910
15+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION
16+
17+ Assembly Bill
18+
19+No. 518
20+
21+Introduced by Assembly Members Wicks and JacksonFebruary 07, 2023
22+
23+Introduced by Assembly Members Wicks and Jackson
24+February 07, 2023
1025
1126 An act to add Sections 18901.58 and 18901.59 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalFresh.
12-
13- [ Approved by Governor September 28, 2024. Filed with Secretary of State September 28, 2024. ]
1427
1528 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1629
1730 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1831
1932 AB 518, Wicks. CalFresh: data.
2033
2134 Existing federal law establishes the 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.Existing law requires the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Social Services to work together with specified stakeholders to develop a proposed statewide process for using data collected for purposes of the CalFresh program, Medi-Cal, free and reduced-price school meals programs, and the electronic benefits transfer system in order to increase enrollment in the CalFresh program, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the State Department of Social Services, under CalFresh provisions, to administer outreach programs and adopt rules and regulations requiring counties to conduct outreach programs to the extent permitted by federal law and eligible for federal financial participation.This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with various stakeholders, on or before July 1, 2025, to develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits. The bill would require the department to utilize the data and metrics to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.The bill would also authorize the department to identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.
2235
2336 Existing federal law establishes the 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.
2437
2538 Existing law requires the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Social Services to work together with specified stakeholders to develop a proposed statewide process for using data collected for purposes of the CalFresh program, Medi-Cal, free and reduced-price school meals programs, and the electronic benefits transfer system in order to increase enrollment in the CalFresh program, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the State Department of Social Services, under CalFresh provisions, to administer outreach programs and adopt rules and regulations requiring counties to conduct outreach programs to the extent permitted by federal law and eligible for federal financial participation.
2639
2740 This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with various stakeholders, on or before July 1, 2025, to develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits. The bill would require the department to utilize the data and metrics to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.
2841
2942 The bill would also authorize the department to identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.
3043
3144 ## Digest Key
3245
3346 ## Bill Text
3447
3548 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:(a) More than one in five Californians suffer from food insecurity.(b) As lack of access to healthful food equates to ill health, poor educational outcomes, and poverty, guaranteeing access to healthy, culturally relevant food will ensure that fewer Californians will require the aid of Californias safety net programs, saving both lives and substantial taxpayer funds. For example, health care costs associated with food insecurity cost California more than $7 billion annually, more than any other state in the United States.(c) Research in child brain development has shown that even one experience of hunger as a child can impact a persons health and mental well-being throughout the rest of their life. Research has similarly demonstrated the long-term academic and economic consequences of hunger in limiting a persons life chances.(d) Hunger is exacerbated by racial and economic inequities, with 40 percent of Black households and 30 percent of Latino households in California experiencing hunger. In the County of Los Angeles alone, 23 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander residents live in food-insecure households. Additionally, a staggering 92 percent of Native American households suffer from food insecurity.(e) In 2023, California declared food as a human right, but the state has no plan for realizing this right. Just as California has deeply committed itself to providing health care, drinking water, and educational access, it must also comparably ensure access to adequate, nutritious, sustainably grown food in all communities across the state.(f) California must support a process by which the state and relevant stakeholders engage to evaluate CalFresh participation rates and identify opportunities to remove barriers to enrollment with a goal of increasing participation in critical food support services for all low-income Californians.SEC. 2. Section 18901.58 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.(b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.SEC. 3. Section 18901.59 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.(b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:(1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.(2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.(3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.(4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.(5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.(6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.
3649
3750 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
3851
3952 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4053
4154 SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:(a) More than one in five Californians suffer from food insecurity.(b) As lack of access to healthful food equates to ill health, poor educational outcomes, and poverty, guaranteeing access to healthy, culturally relevant food will ensure that fewer Californians will require the aid of Californias safety net programs, saving both lives and substantial taxpayer funds. For example, health care costs associated with food insecurity cost California more than $7 billion annually, more than any other state in the United States.(c) Research in child brain development has shown that even one experience of hunger as a child can impact a persons health and mental well-being throughout the rest of their life. Research has similarly demonstrated the long-term academic and economic consequences of hunger in limiting a persons life chances.(d) Hunger is exacerbated by racial and economic inequities, with 40 percent of Black households and 30 percent of Latino households in California experiencing hunger. In the County of Los Angeles alone, 23 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander residents live in food-insecure households. Additionally, a staggering 92 percent of Native American households suffer from food insecurity.(e) In 2023, California declared food as a human right, but the state has no plan for realizing this right. Just as California has deeply committed itself to providing health care, drinking water, and educational access, it must also comparably ensure access to adequate, nutritious, sustainably grown food in all communities across the state.(f) California must support a process by which the state and relevant stakeholders engage to evaluate CalFresh participation rates and identify opportunities to remove barriers to enrollment with a goal of increasing participation in critical food support services for all low-income Californians.
4255
4356 SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:(a) More than one in five Californians suffer from food insecurity.(b) As lack of access to healthful food equates to ill health, poor educational outcomes, and poverty, guaranteeing access to healthy, culturally relevant food will ensure that fewer Californians will require the aid of Californias safety net programs, saving both lives and substantial taxpayer funds. For example, health care costs associated with food insecurity cost California more than $7 billion annually, more than any other state in the United States.(c) Research in child brain development has shown that even one experience of hunger as a child can impact a persons health and mental well-being throughout the rest of their life. Research has similarly demonstrated the long-term academic and economic consequences of hunger in limiting a persons life chances.(d) Hunger is exacerbated by racial and economic inequities, with 40 percent of Black households and 30 percent of Latino households in California experiencing hunger. In the County of Los Angeles alone, 23 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander residents live in food-insecure households. Additionally, a staggering 92 percent of Native American households suffer from food insecurity.(e) In 2023, California declared food as a human right, but the state has no plan for realizing this right. Just as California has deeply committed itself to providing health care, drinking water, and educational access, it must also comparably ensure access to adequate, nutritious, sustainably grown food in all communities across the state.(f) California must support a process by which the state and relevant stakeholders engage to evaluate CalFresh participation rates and identify opportunities to remove barriers to enrollment with a goal of increasing participation in critical food support services for all low-income Californians.
4457
4558 SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:
4659
4760 ### SECTION 1.
4861
4962 (a) More than one in five Californians suffer from food insecurity.
5063
5164 (b) As lack of access to healthful food equates to ill health, poor educational outcomes, and poverty, guaranteeing access to healthy, culturally relevant food will ensure that fewer Californians will require the aid of Californias safety net programs, saving both lives and substantial taxpayer funds. For example, health care costs associated with food insecurity cost California more than $7 billion annually, more than any other state in the United States.
5265
5366 (c) Research in child brain development has shown that even one experience of hunger as a child can impact a persons health and mental well-being throughout the rest of their life. Research has similarly demonstrated the long-term academic and economic consequences of hunger in limiting a persons life chances.
5467
5568 (d) Hunger is exacerbated by racial and economic inequities, with 40 percent of Black households and 30 percent of Latino households in California experiencing hunger. In the County of Los Angeles alone, 23 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander residents live in food-insecure households. Additionally, a staggering 92 percent of Native American households suffer from food insecurity.
5669
5770 (e) In 2023, California declared food as a human right, but the state has no plan for realizing this right. Just as California has deeply committed itself to providing health care, drinking water, and educational access, it must also comparably ensure access to adequate, nutritious, sustainably grown food in all communities across the state.
5871
5972 (f) California must support a process by which the state and relevant stakeholders engage to evaluate CalFresh participation rates and identify opportunities to remove barriers to enrollment with a goal of increasing participation in critical food support services for all low-income Californians.
6073
6174 SEC. 2. Section 18901.58 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.(b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.
6275
6376 SEC. 2. Section 18901.58 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:
6477
6578 ### SEC. 2.
6679
6780 18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.(b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.
6881
6982 18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.(b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.
7083
7184 18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.(b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.
7285
7386
7487
7588 18901.58. (a) (1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.
7689
7790 (2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.
7891
7992 (3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.
8093
8194 (4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate.
8295
8396 (b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits.
8497
8598 (c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.59.
8699
87100 SEC. 3. Section 18901.59 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.(b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:(1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.(2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.(3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.(4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.(5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.(6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.
88101
89102 SEC. 3. Section 18901.59 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:
90103
91104 ### SEC. 3.
92105
93106 18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.(b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:(1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.(2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.(3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.(4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.(5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.(6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.
94107
95108 18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.(b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:(1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.(2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.(3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.(4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.(5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.(6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.
96109
97110 18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.(b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:(1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.(2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.(3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.(4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.(5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.(6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.(c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.
98111
99112
100113
101114 18901.59. (a) The department may identify data-sharing opportunities with other state and local public entities, and any other unit of state government, for the purposes of improving the administration of CalFresh, increasing CalFresh participation, measuring the impact of CalFresh, and increasing access to critical public health and poverty-alleviating services and other services and benefits available to low-income individuals.
102115
103116 (b) Notwithstanding any other state law, and to the extent permitted by federal law, public entities may share data with the department for the purposes of subdivision (a). These public entities include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
104117
105118 (1) Public entities related to health and human services, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Human Services Agency and departments within the agency.
106119
107120 (2) Public entities related to education and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, and First 5 California.
108121
109122 (3) Public entities related to employment and financial well-being, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Workforce Development Board, and the Franchise Tax Board.
110123
111124 (4) Public entities related to shelter, utilities, housing, and homelessness, including, but not limited to, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and all departments and boards within the agency, and the Public Utilities Commission.
112125
113126 (5) Public entities related to justice-involved individuals, including, but not limited to, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
114127
115128 (6) Public entities related to services for veterans, including, but not limited to, the Department of Veterans Affairs.
116129
117130 (c) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this section and Section 18901.58.