Public social services: reporting and verification.
With this adjustment, AB 991 is designed to simplify the administrative burden on both applicants and county agencies, allowing individuals to provide necessary information in the most convenient manner for them. However, the bill also places extra responsibilities on local agencies, which could result in increased operational costs linked to the expanded reporting requirements. To address these costs, the bill notes that while some mandates might not require state reimbursement, any costs determined by the Commission on State Mandates will still be eligible for reimbursement as per existing statutory provisions.
Assembly Bill 991, introduced by Assembly Member Alvarez, seeks to enhance the reporting and verification processes within California's public social services programs. The bill mandates that state and county agencies must accept a variety of lawful information and documentation regarding eligibility and benefit amounts through multiple channels. This includes in-person submissions, phone calls, fax, email, and other electronic means. The intent is to streamline the process for applicants and recipients of public assistance programs like CalWORKs and Medi-Cal, making it easier for individuals to maintain their eligibility and access benefits.
Notably, the bill has received scrutiny regarding its fiscal implications for local agencies. Some concerns have been raised about how counties will manage the increased workload and whether state funding will adequately cover the additional costs incurred from the implementation of the bill. This financial aspect has sparked debates among legislators, with proponents arguing for the modernization of services to better serve low-income families, while opponents caution against potential unfunded mandates that could strain local resources.