Bill > AB79

This bill addresses food and housing insecurity among college students by enhancing collaboration between county human services agencies and public higher education institutions. It requires county human services agencies to develop engagement protocols with input from basic needs directors and coordinators, and mandates that the State Department of Social Services create a specialized training program focusing on public social services topics for campus staff and eligibility workers. The bill also establishes a quarterly workgroup composed of county staff, campus basic needs directors, and representatives from California's higher education segments to share best practices and identify statewide issues. Additionally, the department must submit a report to the Legislature every three years detailing enrollment success trends and available services for students. The legislation recognizes that housing and food insecurity disproportionately affect low-income students, students of color, and adult learners, and aims to eliminate inconsistencies in public social services program eligibility while promoting statewide excellence in student support. The bill includes provisions for reimbursing local agencies for any state-mandated costs and allows the State Department of Social Services to implement the changes through all-county letters or similar instructions.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB79