Amended IN Assembly April 21, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 969Introduced by Assembly Member Celeste RodriguezFebruary 20, 2025 An act to amend Sections 11495, 11495.1, and 11495.17 of, and to repeal and add Sections 11495.15 and 11495.16 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalWORKs. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 969, as amended, Celeste Rodriguez. CalWORKs: family violence option and gender-based violence information.Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals. Existing law imposes various requirements on CalWORKs recipients, including the requirement to participate in specified welfare-to-work activities, unless a good cause exception applies. Existing law requires a county to waive a program requirement for a recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse when it has been determined that good cause under the welfare-to-work requirement exists.This bill would, among other things, instead require a county to waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, as specified, unless the county has evidence that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the applicant or recipient or their children to escape or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. The bill would require counties, within specified timeframes, to notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denials. The bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with stakeholders, to develop a uniform set of written materials that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions, and a standardized waiver request form. The bill would require each county to provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form to each applicant and recipient, as specified. The bill would require the department to implement these provisions through an all-county letter or similar instruction. By imposing duties on counties, 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 11495 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to align the CalWORKs family violence option and gender-based violence provisions with, and not be more restrictive than, the federal requirements and option concerning survivors of abuse provided for in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program pursuant to Sections 402(a)(7) and 402(a)(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 602(a)(7),(8)) and any relevant federal guidelines. maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article. By adopting this provision, the Legislature recognizes that some individuals who may need public assistance have been or are victims of abuse, and intends to ensure that applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements and procedures. The Legislature intends that, in implementing this article, program requirements not be created or applied in such a way as to encourage a victim to remain with the person committing the abuse.(b) For purposes of this article, abuse and gender-based violence includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.SEC. 2. Section 11495.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495.1. (a) The department shall maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article.(b) The department shall develop protocols on handling cases in which applicants and recipients are past or present victims of abuse. The protocols shall define domestic abuse, and shall address training standards and curricula, individual case assessments, confidentiality procedures, notice procedures and counseling or other appropriate participation requirements as part of an overall plan to transition from welfare-to-work. The protocol shall specify how counties shall do the following:(1) Identify applicants and recipients of assistance under this chapter who have been or are victims of abuse, including those who self-identify, while protecting confidentiality.(2) Refer these individuals to supportive services.(3) (A) Waive, on a case-by-case basis, any program requirements that would make it more difficult for applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of domestic abuse or their children to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, and that would be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. Requirements that shall be waived, if eligible, include, but are not limited to, time limits on receipt of assistance, work requirements, educational requirements, paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements.(B) Issue an adequate written notice of action to each applicant or recipient of the determination about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial.(b)(c) The department shall issue regulations describing the protocol identified in subdivision (a) (b) no later than January 1, 2027. 2028.SEC. 3. Section 11495.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.SEC. 4. Section 11495.15 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:11495.15. (a) (1) A county shall waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, unless the county has evidence evidence, substantiated by documentation, that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the recipient or their children to escape applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(2) A county shall find good cause for a waiver when compliance with the program requirement would make it more difficult for an applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(b) When reviewing waiver eligibility, a county shall not consider participation hours in domestic violence, mental health, or substance disorder services that contribute to the individual meeting any required participation hours as a basis for denying a waiver. In no event shall a county deny a waiver because a survivor does not receive or participate in services from a victim service provider.(c) A county shall reevaluate a waiver, as needed, but shall not reevaluate the waiver more frequently than every six months. A county may reevaluate a waiver for welfare-to-work requirements at shorter intervals only if the evaluation is to include an additional waiver of welfare-to-work requirements.(d) A county shall notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial. The county shall provide an adequate written notice of action regarding the waiver request by the time of application approval, or, for recipients, within 10 days of the request.(e) A county shall notify each recipient about whether or not a waiver will be terminated and the reasons for the termination. The county shall provide a written adequate notice of action of the termination.SEC. 5. Section 11495.16 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.SEC. 6. Section 11495.16 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:11495.16. (a) On or before January July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, federally recognized state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment advocates, and public benefits advocates, shall develop both of the following:(1) A uniform set of written materials to be used statewide that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions. The statewide information may be provided in one document and shall include all of the following information:(A) Available domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment resources and victim service providers.(B) How the information of an applicant or recipient abuse survivor is kept confidential and when the county human services agency is legally required to disclose that information.(C) Information on the availability of program waivers, including a specific list of program requirements that may be waived, other program requirements not listed that may be waived, how to request a waiver, and a waiver request form, as described in paragraph (2).(D) Information about safety planning, including the process of identifying risks, mapping out resources, and assessing options to increase survivor safety developed by specialized workers in partnership with the abuse survivor.(E) How the county will tailor a recipient survivors welfare-to-work plan and CalWORKs support services to meet their needs.(F) Information on CalWORKs eligibility for noncitizen abuse survivors, exceptions to alien sponsor deeming requirements, and information on applying for legal status for noncitizen abuse survivors.(2) A standardized waiver request form that allows an applicant or recipient to identify the specific program requirements that they need waived. The form shall include a list of program requirements that may be waived, the ability to request a waiver of a requirement that may not be specifically listed, and a way for an applicant or recipient to indicate whether they are seeking a waiver for a retroactive period of time.(b) A county shall safely and confidentially verbally inform of, and provide, in the preferred language identified by the applicant or recipient to the extent required by law, the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) to each applicant and recipient. Each county shall supplement the written materials described in subdivision (a) with the name and contact information for local service providers, local policies, and local resources.(c) The department shall automate CalSAWS and provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) on BenefitsCal to ensure that technology is fully utilized to ensure that applicants and recipients who are abuse survivors have access to that information and receive the assistance they need.SEC. 7. Section 11495.17 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495.17. During the annual budget process, the department shall update the Legislature at hearings regarding the number of CalWORKs welfare-to-work recipients, aggregated by county, who have been identified as potential victims of domestic abuse during the online CalWORKs appraisal process, and the number of CalWORKs recipients who have been identified as survivors of nondomestic stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The report shall also include a list of counties that require domestic violence survivors to be offered waivers pursuant to Section 11495.15 and a summary of actions taken by the department to address the specific and unique needs of survivors of domestic abuse.SEC. 8. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the State Department of Social Services shall implement this act through an all-county letter or similar instruction no later than January July 1, 2026.SEC. 9. 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 21, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 969Introduced by Assembly Member Celeste RodriguezFebruary 20, 2025 An act to amend Sections 11495, 11495.1, and 11495.17 of, and to repeal and add Sections 11495.15 and 11495.16 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalWORKs. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 969, as amended, Celeste Rodriguez. CalWORKs: family violence option and gender-based violence information.Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals. Existing law imposes various requirements on CalWORKs recipients, including the requirement to participate in specified welfare-to-work activities, unless a good cause exception applies. Existing law requires a county to waive a program requirement for a recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse when it has been determined that good cause under the welfare-to-work requirement exists.This bill would, among other things, instead require a county to waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, as specified, unless the county has evidence that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the applicant or recipient or their children to escape or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. The bill would require counties, within specified timeframes, to notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denials. The bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with stakeholders, to develop a uniform set of written materials that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions, and a standardized waiver request form. The bill would require each county to provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form to each applicant and recipient, as specified. The bill would require the department to implement these provisions through an all-county letter or similar instruction. By imposing duties on counties, 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 21, 2025
Amended IN Assembly April 21, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 969
Introduced by Assembly Member Celeste RodriguezFebruary 20, 2025
Introduced by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez
February 20, 2025
An act to amend Sections 11495, 11495.1, and 11495.17 of, and to repeal and add Sections 11495.15 and 11495.16 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalWORKs.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 969, as amended, Celeste Rodriguez. CalWORKs: family violence option and gender-based violence information.
Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals. Existing law imposes various requirements on CalWORKs recipients, including the requirement to participate in specified welfare-to-work activities, unless a good cause exception applies. Existing law requires a county to waive a program requirement for a recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse when it has been determined that good cause under the welfare-to-work requirement exists.This bill would, among other things, instead require a county to waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, as specified, unless the county has evidence that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the applicant or recipient or their children to escape or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. The bill would require counties, within specified timeframes, to notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denials. The bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with stakeholders, to develop a uniform set of written materials that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions, and a standardized waiver request form. The bill would require each county to provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form to each applicant and recipient, as specified. The bill would require the department to implement these provisions through an all-county letter or similar instruction. By imposing duties on counties, 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 law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals. Existing law imposes various requirements on CalWORKs recipients, including the requirement to participate in specified welfare-to-work activities, unless a good cause exception applies. Existing law requires a county to waive a program requirement for a recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse when it has been determined that good cause under the welfare-to-work requirement exists.
This bill would, among other things, instead require a county to waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, as specified, unless the county has evidence that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the applicant or recipient or their children to escape or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. The bill would require counties, within specified timeframes, to notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denials. The bill would require the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with stakeholders, to develop a uniform set of written materials that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions, and a standardized waiver request form. The bill would require each county to provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form to each applicant and recipient, as specified. The bill would require the department to implement these provisions through an all-county letter or similar instruction. By imposing duties on counties, 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 11495 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to align the CalWORKs family violence option and gender-based violence provisions with, and not be more restrictive than, the federal requirements and option concerning survivors of abuse provided for in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program pursuant to Sections 402(a)(7) and 402(a)(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 602(a)(7),(8)) and any relevant federal guidelines. maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article. By adopting this provision, the Legislature recognizes that some individuals who may need public assistance have been or are victims of abuse, and intends to ensure that applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements and procedures. The Legislature intends that, in implementing this article, program requirements not be created or applied in such a way as to encourage a victim to remain with the person committing the abuse.(b) For purposes of this article, abuse and gender-based violence includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.SEC. 2. Section 11495.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495.1. (a) The department shall maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article.(b) The department shall develop protocols on handling cases in which applicants and recipients are past or present victims of abuse. The protocols shall define domestic abuse, and shall address training standards and curricula, individual case assessments, confidentiality procedures, notice procedures and counseling or other appropriate participation requirements as part of an overall plan to transition from welfare-to-work. The protocol shall specify how counties shall do the following:(1) Identify applicants and recipients of assistance under this chapter who have been or are victims of abuse, including those who self-identify, while protecting confidentiality.(2) Refer these individuals to supportive services.(3) (A) Waive, on a case-by-case basis, any program requirements that would make it more difficult for applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of domestic abuse or their children to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, and that would be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. Requirements that shall be waived, if eligible, include, but are not limited to, time limits on receipt of assistance, work requirements, educational requirements, paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements.(B) Issue an adequate written notice of action to each applicant or recipient of the determination about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial.(b)(c) The department shall issue regulations describing the protocol identified in subdivision (a) (b) no later than January 1, 2027. 2028.SEC. 3. Section 11495.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.SEC. 4. Section 11495.15 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:11495.15. (a) (1) A county shall waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, unless the county has evidence evidence, substantiated by documentation, that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the recipient or their children to escape applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(2) A county shall find good cause for a waiver when compliance with the program requirement would make it more difficult for an applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(b) When reviewing waiver eligibility, a county shall not consider participation hours in domestic violence, mental health, or substance disorder services that contribute to the individual meeting any required participation hours as a basis for denying a waiver. In no event shall a county deny a waiver because a survivor does not receive or participate in services from a victim service provider.(c) A county shall reevaluate a waiver, as needed, but shall not reevaluate the waiver more frequently than every six months. A county may reevaluate a waiver for welfare-to-work requirements at shorter intervals only if the evaluation is to include an additional waiver of welfare-to-work requirements.(d) A county shall notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial. The county shall provide an adequate written notice of action regarding the waiver request by the time of application approval, or, for recipients, within 10 days of the request.(e) A county shall notify each recipient about whether or not a waiver will be terminated and the reasons for the termination. The county shall provide a written adequate notice of action of the termination.SEC. 5. Section 11495.16 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.SEC. 6. Section 11495.16 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:11495.16. (a) On or before January July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, federally recognized state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment advocates, and public benefits advocates, shall develop both of the following:(1) A uniform set of written materials to be used statewide that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions. The statewide information may be provided in one document and shall include all of the following information:(A) Available domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment resources and victim service providers.(B) How the information of an applicant or recipient abuse survivor is kept confidential and when the county human services agency is legally required to disclose that information.(C) Information on the availability of program waivers, including a specific list of program requirements that may be waived, other program requirements not listed that may be waived, how to request a waiver, and a waiver request form, as described in paragraph (2).(D) Information about safety planning, including the process of identifying risks, mapping out resources, and assessing options to increase survivor safety developed by specialized workers in partnership with the abuse survivor.(E) How the county will tailor a recipient survivors welfare-to-work plan and CalWORKs support services to meet their needs.(F) Information on CalWORKs eligibility for noncitizen abuse survivors, exceptions to alien sponsor deeming requirements, and information on applying for legal status for noncitizen abuse survivors.(2) A standardized waiver request form that allows an applicant or recipient to identify the specific program requirements that they need waived. The form shall include a list of program requirements that may be waived, the ability to request a waiver of a requirement that may not be specifically listed, and a way for an applicant or recipient to indicate whether they are seeking a waiver for a retroactive period of time.(b) A county shall safely and confidentially verbally inform of, and provide, in the preferred language identified by the applicant or recipient to the extent required by law, the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) to each applicant and recipient. Each county shall supplement the written materials described in subdivision (a) with the name and contact information for local service providers, local policies, and local resources.(c) The department shall automate CalSAWS and provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) on BenefitsCal to ensure that technology is fully utilized to ensure that applicants and recipients who are abuse survivors have access to that information and receive the assistance they need.SEC. 7. Section 11495.17 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495.17. During the annual budget process, the department shall update the Legislature at hearings regarding the number of CalWORKs welfare-to-work recipients, aggregated by county, who have been identified as potential victims of domestic abuse during the online CalWORKs appraisal process, and the number of CalWORKs recipients who have been identified as survivors of nondomestic stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The report shall also include a list of counties that require domestic violence survivors to be offered waivers pursuant to Section 11495.15 and a summary of actions taken by the department to address the specific and unique needs of survivors of domestic abuse.SEC. 8. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the State Department of Social Services shall implement this act through an all-county letter or similar instruction no later than January July 1, 2026.SEC. 9. 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 11495 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to align the CalWORKs family violence option and gender-based violence provisions with, and not be more restrictive than, the federal requirements and option concerning survivors of abuse provided for in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program pursuant to Sections 402(a)(7) and 402(a)(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 602(a)(7),(8)) and any relevant federal guidelines. maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article. By adopting this provision, the Legislature recognizes that some individuals who may need public assistance have been or are victims of abuse, and intends to ensure that applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements and procedures. The Legislature intends that, in implementing this article, program requirements not be created or applied in such a way as to encourage a victim to remain with the person committing the abuse.(b) For purposes of this article, abuse and gender-based violence includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
SECTION 1. Section 11495 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
11495. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to align the CalWORKs family violence option and gender-based violence provisions with, and not be more restrictive than, the federal requirements and option concerning survivors of abuse provided for in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program pursuant to Sections 402(a)(7) and 402(a)(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 602(a)(7),(8)) and any relevant federal guidelines. maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article. By adopting this provision, the Legislature recognizes that some individuals who may need public assistance have been or are victims of abuse, and intends to ensure that applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements and procedures. The Legislature intends that, in implementing this article, program requirements not be created or applied in such a way as to encourage a victim to remain with the person committing the abuse.(b) For purposes of this article, abuse and gender-based violence includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
11495. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to align the CalWORKs family violence option and gender-based violence provisions with, and not be more restrictive than, the federal requirements and option concerning survivors of abuse provided for in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program pursuant to Sections 402(a)(7) and 402(a)(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 602(a)(7),(8)) and any relevant federal guidelines. maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article. By adopting this provision, the Legislature recognizes that some individuals who may need public assistance have been or are victims of abuse, and intends to ensure that applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements and procedures. The Legislature intends that, in implementing this article, program requirements not be created or applied in such a way as to encourage a victim to remain with the person committing the abuse.(b) For purposes of this article, abuse and gender-based violence includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
11495. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to align the CalWORKs family violence option and gender-based violence provisions with, and not be more restrictive than, the federal requirements and option concerning survivors of abuse provided for in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program pursuant to Sections 402(a)(7) and 402(a)(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 602(a)(7),(8)) and any relevant federal guidelines. maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article. By adopting this provision, the Legislature recognizes that some individuals who may need public assistance have been or are victims of abuse, and intends to ensure that applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements and procedures. The Legislature intends that, in implementing this article, program requirements not be created or applied in such a way as to encourage a victim to remain with the person committing the abuse.(b) For purposes of this article, abuse and gender-based violence includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
11495. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to align the CalWORKs family violence option and gender-based violence provisions with, and not be more restrictive than, the federal requirements and option concerning survivors of abuse provided for in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program pursuant to Sections 402(a)(7) and 402(a)(8) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 602(a)(7),(8)) and any relevant federal guidelines. maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article. By adopting this provision, the Legislature recognizes that some individuals who may need public assistance have been or are victims of abuse, and intends to ensure that applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements and procedures. The Legislature intends that, in implementing this article, program requirements not be created or applied in such a way as to encourage a victim to remain with the person committing the abuse.
###### 11495.
(b) For purposes of this article, abuse and gender-based violence includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
SEC. 2. Section 11495.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495.1. (a) The department shall maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article.(b) The department shall develop protocols on handling cases in which applicants and recipients are past or present victims of abuse. The protocols shall define domestic abuse, and shall address training standards and curricula, individual case assessments, confidentiality procedures, notice procedures and counseling or other appropriate participation requirements as part of an overall plan to transition from welfare-to-work. The protocol shall specify how counties shall do the following:(1) Identify applicants and recipients of assistance under this chapter who have been or are victims of abuse, including those who self-identify, while protecting confidentiality.(2) Refer these individuals to supportive services.(3) (A) Waive, on a case-by-case basis, any program requirements that would make it more difficult for applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of domestic abuse or their children to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, and that would be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. Requirements that shall be waived, if eligible, include, but are not limited to, time limits on receipt of assistance, work requirements, educational requirements, paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements.(B) Issue an adequate written notice of action to each applicant or recipient of the determination about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial.(b)(c) The department shall issue regulations describing the protocol identified in subdivision (a) (b) no later than January 1, 2027. 2028.
SEC. 2. Section 11495.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 2.
11495.1. (a) The department shall maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article.(b) The department shall develop protocols on handling cases in which applicants and recipients are past or present victims of abuse. The protocols shall define domestic abuse, and shall address training standards and curricula, individual case assessments, confidentiality procedures, notice procedures and counseling or other appropriate participation requirements as part of an overall plan to transition from welfare-to-work. The protocol shall specify how counties shall do the following:(1) Identify applicants and recipients of assistance under this chapter who have been or are victims of abuse, including those who self-identify, while protecting confidentiality.(2) Refer these individuals to supportive services.(3) (A) Waive, on a case-by-case basis, any program requirements that would make it more difficult for applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of domestic abuse or their children to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, and that would be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. Requirements that shall be waived, if eligible, include, but are not limited to, time limits on receipt of assistance, work requirements, educational requirements, paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements.(B) Issue an adequate written notice of action to each applicant or recipient of the determination about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial.(b)(c) The department shall issue regulations describing the protocol identified in subdivision (a) (b) no later than January 1, 2027. 2028.
11495.1. (a) The department shall maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article.(b) The department shall develop protocols on handling cases in which applicants and recipients are past or present victims of abuse. The protocols shall define domestic abuse, and shall address training standards and curricula, individual case assessments, confidentiality procedures, notice procedures and counseling or other appropriate participation requirements as part of an overall plan to transition from welfare-to-work. The protocol shall specify how counties shall do the following:(1) Identify applicants and recipients of assistance under this chapter who have been or are victims of abuse, including those who self-identify, while protecting confidentiality.(2) Refer these individuals to supportive services.(3) (A) Waive, on a case-by-case basis, any program requirements that would make it more difficult for applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of domestic abuse or their children to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, and that would be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. Requirements that shall be waived, if eligible, include, but are not limited to, time limits on receipt of assistance, work requirements, educational requirements, paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements.(B) Issue an adequate written notice of action to each applicant or recipient of the determination about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial.(b)(c) The department shall issue regulations describing the protocol identified in subdivision (a) (b) no later than January 1, 2027. 2028.
11495.1. (a) The department shall maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article.(b) The department shall develop protocols on handling cases in which applicants and recipients are past or present victims of abuse. The protocols shall define domestic abuse, and shall address training standards and curricula, individual case assessments, confidentiality procedures, notice procedures and counseling or other appropriate participation requirements as part of an overall plan to transition from welfare-to-work. The protocol shall specify how counties shall do the following:(1) Identify applicants and recipients of assistance under this chapter who have been or are victims of abuse, including those who self-identify, while protecting confidentiality.(2) Refer these individuals to supportive services.(3) (A) Waive, on a case-by-case basis, any program requirements that would make it more difficult for applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of domestic abuse or their children to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, and that would be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. Requirements that shall be waived, if eligible, include, but are not limited to, time limits on receipt of assistance, work requirements, educational requirements, paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements.(B) Issue an adequate written notice of action to each applicant or recipient of the determination about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial.(b)(c) The department shall issue regulations describing the protocol identified in subdivision (a) (b) no later than January 1, 2027. 2028.
11495.1. (a) The department shall maximize protections afforded to survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking through the provisions of this article.
###### 11495.1.
(b) The department shall develop protocols on handling cases in which applicants and recipients are past or present victims of abuse. The protocols shall define domestic abuse, and shall address training standards and curricula, individual case assessments, confidentiality procedures, notice procedures and counseling or other appropriate participation requirements as part of an overall plan to transition from welfare-to-work. The protocol shall specify how counties shall do the following:
(1) Identify applicants and recipients of assistance under this chapter who have been or are victims of abuse, including those who self-identify, while protecting confidentiality.
(2) Refer these individuals to supportive services.
(3) (A) Waive, on a case-by-case basis, any program requirements that would make it more difficult for applicants and recipients who are past or present victims of domestic abuse or their children to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, and that would be detrimental or unfairly penalize them. Requirements that shall be waived, if eligible, include, but are not limited to, time limits on receipt of assistance, work requirements, educational requirements, paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements.
(B) Issue an adequate written notice of action to each applicant or recipient of the determination about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial.
(b)
(c) The department shall issue regulations describing the protocol identified in subdivision (a) (b) no later than January 1, 2027. 2028.
SEC. 3. Section 11495.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.
SEC. 3. Section 11495.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.
### SEC. 3.
SEC. 4. Section 11495.15 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:11495.15. (a) (1) A county shall waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, unless the county has evidence evidence, substantiated by documentation, that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the recipient or their children to escape applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(2) A county shall find good cause for a waiver when compliance with the program requirement would make it more difficult for an applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(b) When reviewing waiver eligibility, a county shall not consider participation hours in domestic violence, mental health, or substance disorder services that contribute to the individual meeting any required participation hours as a basis for denying a waiver. In no event shall a county deny a waiver because a survivor does not receive or participate in services from a victim service provider.(c) A county shall reevaluate a waiver, as needed, but shall not reevaluate the waiver more frequently than every six months. A county may reevaluate a waiver for welfare-to-work requirements at shorter intervals only if the evaluation is to include an additional waiver of welfare-to-work requirements.(d) A county shall notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial. The county shall provide an adequate written notice of action regarding the waiver request by the time of application approval, or, for recipients, within 10 days of the request.(e) A county shall notify each recipient about whether or not a waiver will be terminated and the reasons for the termination. The county shall provide a written adequate notice of action of the termination.
SEC. 4. Section 11495.15 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:
### SEC. 4.
11495.15. (a) (1) A county shall waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, unless the county has evidence evidence, substantiated by documentation, that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the recipient or their children to escape applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(2) A county shall find good cause for a waiver when compliance with the program requirement would make it more difficult for an applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(b) When reviewing waiver eligibility, a county shall not consider participation hours in domestic violence, mental health, or substance disorder services that contribute to the individual meeting any required participation hours as a basis for denying a waiver. In no event shall a county deny a waiver because a survivor does not receive or participate in services from a victim service provider.(c) A county shall reevaluate a waiver, as needed, but shall not reevaluate the waiver more frequently than every six months. A county may reevaluate a waiver for welfare-to-work requirements at shorter intervals only if the evaluation is to include an additional waiver of welfare-to-work requirements.(d) A county shall notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial. The county shall provide an adequate written notice of action regarding the waiver request by the time of application approval, or, for recipients, within 10 days of the request.(e) A county shall notify each recipient about whether or not a waiver will be terminated and the reasons for the termination. The county shall provide a written adequate notice of action of the termination.
11495.15. (a) (1) A county shall waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, unless the county has evidence evidence, substantiated by documentation, that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the recipient or their children to escape applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(2) A county shall find good cause for a waiver when compliance with the program requirement would make it more difficult for an applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(b) When reviewing waiver eligibility, a county shall not consider participation hours in domestic violence, mental health, or substance disorder services that contribute to the individual meeting any required participation hours as a basis for denying a waiver. In no event shall a county deny a waiver because a survivor does not receive or participate in services from a victim service provider.(c) A county shall reevaluate a waiver, as needed, but shall not reevaluate the waiver more frequently than every six months. A county may reevaluate a waiver for welfare-to-work requirements at shorter intervals only if the evaluation is to include an additional waiver of welfare-to-work requirements.(d) A county shall notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial. The county shall provide an adequate written notice of action regarding the waiver request by the time of application approval, or, for recipients, within 10 days of the request.(e) A county shall notify each recipient about whether or not a waiver will be terminated and the reasons for the termination. The county shall provide a written adequate notice of action of the termination.
11495.15. (a) (1) A county shall waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, unless the county has evidence evidence, substantiated by documentation, that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the recipient or their children to escape applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(2) A county shall find good cause for a waiver when compliance with the program requirement would make it more difficult for an applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.(b) When reviewing waiver eligibility, a county shall not consider participation hours in domestic violence, mental health, or substance disorder services that contribute to the individual meeting any required participation hours as a basis for denying a waiver. In no event shall a county deny a waiver because a survivor does not receive or participate in services from a victim service provider.(c) A county shall reevaluate a waiver, as needed, but shall not reevaluate the waiver more frequently than every six months. A county may reevaluate a waiver for welfare-to-work requirements at shorter intervals only if the evaluation is to include an additional waiver of welfare-to-work requirements.(d) A county shall notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial. The county shall provide an adequate written notice of action regarding the waiver request by the time of application approval, or, for recipients, within 10 days of the request.(e) A county shall notify each recipient about whether or not a waiver will be terminated and the reasons for the termination. The county shall provide a written adequate notice of action of the termination.
11495.15. (a) (1) A county shall waive a program requirement for a an applicant or recipient who has been identified as a past or present victim of domestic abuse for good cause, unless the county has evidence evidence, substantiated by documentation, that the requirement would not make it more difficult for the recipient or their children to escape applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.
###### 11495.15.
(2) A county shall find good cause for a waiver when compliance with the program requirement would make it more difficult for an applicant or recipient, or their children, to escape abuse or to stay safe after escaping abuse, or that it would not be detrimental or unfairly penalize them.
(b) When reviewing waiver eligibility, a county shall not consider participation hours in domestic violence, mental health, or substance disorder services that contribute to the individual meeting any required participation hours as a basis for denying a waiver. In no event shall a county deny a waiver because a survivor does not receive or participate in services from a victim service provider.
(c) A county shall reevaluate a waiver, as needed, but shall not reevaluate the waiver more frequently than every six months. A county may reevaluate a waiver for welfare-to-work requirements at shorter intervals only if the evaluation is to include an additional waiver of welfare-to-work requirements.
(d) A county shall notify each applicant or recipient about whether or not a waiver will be issued, and if a waiver is denied, the specific reasons for the denial. The county shall provide an adequate written notice of action regarding the waiver request by the time of application approval, or, for recipients, within 10 days of the request.
(e) A county shall notify each recipient about whether or not a waiver will be terminated and the reasons for the termination. The county shall provide a written adequate notice of action of the termination.
SEC. 5. Section 11495.16 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.
SEC. 5. Section 11495.16 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.
### SEC. 5.
SEC. 6. Section 11495.16 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:11495.16. (a) On or before January July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, federally recognized state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment advocates, and public benefits advocates, shall develop both of the following:(1) A uniform set of written materials to be used statewide that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions. The statewide information may be provided in one document and shall include all of the following information:(A) Available domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment resources and victim service providers.(B) How the information of an applicant or recipient abuse survivor is kept confidential and when the county human services agency is legally required to disclose that information.(C) Information on the availability of program waivers, including a specific list of program requirements that may be waived, other program requirements not listed that may be waived, how to request a waiver, and a waiver request form, as described in paragraph (2).(D) Information about safety planning, including the process of identifying risks, mapping out resources, and assessing options to increase survivor safety developed by specialized workers in partnership with the abuse survivor.(E) How the county will tailor a recipient survivors welfare-to-work plan and CalWORKs support services to meet their needs.(F) Information on CalWORKs eligibility for noncitizen abuse survivors, exceptions to alien sponsor deeming requirements, and information on applying for legal status for noncitizen abuse survivors.(2) A standardized waiver request form that allows an applicant or recipient to identify the specific program requirements that they need waived. The form shall include a list of program requirements that may be waived, the ability to request a waiver of a requirement that may not be specifically listed, and a way for an applicant or recipient to indicate whether they are seeking a waiver for a retroactive period of time.(b) A county shall safely and confidentially verbally inform of, and provide, in the preferred language identified by the applicant or recipient to the extent required by law, the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) to each applicant and recipient. Each county shall supplement the written materials described in subdivision (a) with the name and contact information for local service providers, local policies, and local resources.(c) The department shall automate CalSAWS and provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) on BenefitsCal to ensure that technology is fully utilized to ensure that applicants and recipients who are abuse survivors have access to that information and receive the assistance they need.
SEC. 6. Section 11495.16 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:
### SEC. 6.
11495.16. (a) On or before January July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, federally recognized state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment advocates, and public benefits advocates, shall develop both of the following:(1) A uniform set of written materials to be used statewide that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions. The statewide information may be provided in one document and shall include all of the following information:(A) Available domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment resources and victim service providers.(B) How the information of an applicant or recipient abuse survivor is kept confidential and when the county human services agency is legally required to disclose that information.(C) Information on the availability of program waivers, including a specific list of program requirements that may be waived, other program requirements not listed that may be waived, how to request a waiver, and a waiver request form, as described in paragraph (2).(D) Information about safety planning, including the process of identifying risks, mapping out resources, and assessing options to increase survivor safety developed by specialized workers in partnership with the abuse survivor.(E) How the county will tailor a recipient survivors welfare-to-work plan and CalWORKs support services to meet their needs.(F) Information on CalWORKs eligibility for noncitizen abuse survivors, exceptions to alien sponsor deeming requirements, and information on applying for legal status for noncitizen abuse survivors.(2) A standardized waiver request form that allows an applicant or recipient to identify the specific program requirements that they need waived. The form shall include a list of program requirements that may be waived, the ability to request a waiver of a requirement that may not be specifically listed, and a way for an applicant or recipient to indicate whether they are seeking a waiver for a retroactive period of time.(b) A county shall safely and confidentially verbally inform of, and provide, in the preferred language identified by the applicant or recipient to the extent required by law, the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) to each applicant and recipient. Each county shall supplement the written materials described in subdivision (a) with the name and contact information for local service providers, local policies, and local resources.(c) The department shall automate CalSAWS and provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) on BenefitsCal to ensure that technology is fully utilized to ensure that applicants and recipients who are abuse survivors have access to that information and receive the assistance they need.
11495.16. (a) On or before January July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, federally recognized state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment advocates, and public benefits advocates, shall develop both of the following:(1) A uniform set of written materials to be used statewide that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions. The statewide information may be provided in one document and shall include all of the following information:(A) Available domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment resources and victim service providers.(B) How the information of an applicant or recipient abuse survivor is kept confidential and when the county human services agency is legally required to disclose that information.(C) Information on the availability of program waivers, including a specific list of program requirements that may be waived, other program requirements not listed that may be waived, how to request a waiver, and a waiver request form, as described in paragraph (2).(D) Information about safety planning, including the process of identifying risks, mapping out resources, and assessing options to increase survivor safety developed by specialized workers in partnership with the abuse survivor.(E) How the county will tailor a recipient survivors welfare-to-work plan and CalWORKs support services to meet their needs.(F) Information on CalWORKs eligibility for noncitizen abuse survivors, exceptions to alien sponsor deeming requirements, and information on applying for legal status for noncitizen abuse survivors.(2) A standardized waiver request form that allows an applicant or recipient to identify the specific program requirements that they need waived. The form shall include a list of program requirements that may be waived, the ability to request a waiver of a requirement that may not be specifically listed, and a way for an applicant or recipient to indicate whether they are seeking a waiver for a retroactive period of time.(b) A county shall safely and confidentially verbally inform of, and provide, in the preferred language identified by the applicant or recipient to the extent required by law, the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) to each applicant and recipient. Each county shall supplement the written materials described in subdivision (a) with the name and contact information for local service providers, local policies, and local resources.(c) The department shall automate CalSAWS and provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) on BenefitsCal to ensure that technology is fully utilized to ensure that applicants and recipients who are abuse survivors have access to that information and receive the assistance they need.
11495.16. (a) On or before January July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, federally recognized state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment advocates, and public benefits advocates, shall develop both of the following:(1) A uniform set of written materials to be used statewide that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions. The statewide information may be provided in one document and shall include all of the following information:(A) Available domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment resources and victim service providers.(B) How the information of an applicant or recipient abuse survivor is kept confidential and when the county human services agency is legally required to disclose that information.(C) Information on the availability of program waivers, including a specific list of program requirements that may be waived, other program requirements not listed that may be waived, how to request a waiver, and a waiver request form, as described in paragraph (2).(D) Information about safety planning, including the process of identifying risks, mapping out resources, and assessing options to increase survivor safety developed by specialized workers in partnership with the abuse survivor.(E) How the county will tailor a recipient survivors welfare-to-work plan and CalWORKs support services to meet their needs.(F) Information on CalWORKs eligibility for noncitizen abuse survivors, exceptions to alien sponsor deeming requirements, and information on applying for legal status for noncitizen abuse survivors.(2) A standardized waiver request form that allows an applicant or recipient to identify the specific program requirements that they need waived. The form shall include a list of program requirements that may be waived, the ability to request a waiver of a requirement that may not be specifically listed, and a way for an applicant or recipient to indicate whether they are seeking a waiver for a retroactive period of time.(b) A county shall safely and confidentially verbally inform of, and provide, in the preferred language identified by the applicant or recipient to the extent required by law, the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) to each applicant and recipient. Each county shall supplement the written materials described in subdivision (a) with the name and contact information for local service providers, local policies, and local resources.(c) The department shall automate CalSAWS and provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) on BenefitsCal to ensure that technology is fully utilized to ensure that applicants and recipients who are abuse survivors have access to that information and receive the assistance they need.
11495.16. (a) On or before January July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, federally recognized state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment advocates, and public benefits advocates, shall develop both of the following:
###### 11495.16.
(1) A uniform set of written materials to be used statewide that addresses all relevant information and necessary requirements designed to assist individuals to identify, escape, or stop future abuse, overcome the effects of abuse, and make informed decisions. The statewide information may be provided in one document and shall include all of the following information:
(A) Available domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment resources and victim service providers.
(B) How the information of an applicant or recipient abuse survivor is kept confidential and when the county human services agency is legally required to disclose that information.
(C) Information on the availability of program waivers, including a specific list of program requirements that may be waived, other program requirements not listed that may be waived, how to request a waiver, and a waiver request form, as described in paragraph (2).
(D) Information about safety planning, including the process of identifying risks, mapping out resources, and assessing options to increase survivor safety developed by specialized workers in partnership with the abuse survivor.
(E) How the county will tailor a recipient survivors welfare-to-work plan and CalWORKs support services to meet their needs.
(F) Information on CalWORKs eligibility for noncitizen abuse survivors, exceptions to alien sponsor deeming requirements, and information on applying for legal status for noncitizen abuse survivors.
(2) A standardized waiver request form that allows an applicant or recipient to identify the specific program requirements that they need waived. The form shall include a list of program requirements that may be waived, the ability to request a waiver of a requirement that may not be specifically listed, and a way for an applicant or recipient to indicate whether they are seeking a waiver for a retroactive period of time.
(b) A county shall safely and confidentially verbally inform of, and provide, in the preferred language identified by the applicant or recipient to the extent required by law, the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) to each applicant and recipient. Each county shall supplement the written materials described in subdivision (a) with the name and contact information for local service providers, local policies, and local resources.
(c) The department shall automate CalSAWS and provide the written materials and standardized waiver request form described in subdivision (a) on BenefitsCal to ensure that technology is fully utilized to ensure that applicants and recipients who are abuse survivors have access to that information and receive the assistance they need.
SEC. 7. Section 11495.17 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:11495.17. During the annual budget process, the department shall update the Legislature at hearings regarding the number of CalWORKs welfare-to-work recipients, aggregated by county, who have been identified as potential victims of domestic abuse during the online CalWORKs appraisal process, and the number of CalWORKs recipients who have been identified as survivors of nondomestic stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The report shall also include a list of counties that require domestic violence survivors to be offered waivers pursuant to Section 11495.15 and a summary of actions taken by the department to address the specific and unique needs of survivors of domestic abuse.
SEC. 7. Section 11495.17 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 7.
11495.17. During the annual budget process, the department shall update the Legislature at hearings regarding the number of CalWORKs welfare-to-work recipients, aggregated by county, who have been identified as potential victims of domestic abuse during the online CalWORKs appraisal process, and the number of CalWORKs recipients who have been identified as survivors of nondomestic stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The report shall also include a list of counties that require domestic violence survivors to be offered waivers pursuant to Section 11495.15 and a summary of actions taken by the department to address the specific and unique needs of survivors of domestic abuse.
11495.17. During the annual budget process, the department shall update the Legislature at hearings regarding the number of CalWORKs welfare-to-work recipients, aggregated by county, who have been identified as potential victims of domestic abuse during the online CalWORKs appraisal process, and the number of CalWORKs recipients who have been identified as survivors of nondomestic stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The report shall also include a list of counties that require domestic violence survivors to be offered waivers pursuant to Section 11495.15 and a summary of actions taken by the department to address the specific and unique needs of survivors of domestic abuse.
11495.17. During the annual budget process, the department shall update the Legislature at hearings regarding the number of CalWORKs welfare-to-work recipients, aggregated by county, who have been identified as potential victims of domestic abuse during the online CalWORKs appraisal process, and the number of CalWORKs recipients who have been identified as survivors of nondomestic stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The report shall also include a list of counties that require domestic violence survivors to be offered waivers pursuant to Section 11495.15 and a summary of actions taken by the department to address the specific and unique needs of survivors of domestic abuse.
11495.17. During the annual budget process, the department shall update the Legislature at hearings regarding the number of CalWORKs welfare-to-work recipients, aggregated by county, who have been identified as potential victims of domestic abuse during the online CalWORKs appraisal process, and the number of CalWORKs recipients who have been identified as survivors of nondomestic stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The report shall also include a list of counties that require domestic violence survivors to be offered waivers pursuant to Section 11495.15 and a summary of actions taken by the department to address the specific and unique needs of survivors of domestic abuse.
###### 11495.17.
SEC. 8. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the State Department of Social Services shall implement this act through an all-county letter or similar instruction no later than January July 1, 2026.
SEC. 8. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the State Department of Social Services shall implement this act through an all-county letter or similar instruction no later than January July 1, 2026.
SEC. 8. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the State Department of Social Services shall implement this act through an all-county letter or similar instruction no later than January July 1, 2026.
### SEC. 8.
SEC. 9. 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. 9. 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. 9. 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. 9.