Bill > SB290

This bill modifies the CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) program's immunization requirements. Currently, CalWORKs recipients must provide documentation that children not enrolled in school have received age-appropriate immunizations, and failure to do so results in sanctions that reduce the family's grant. Effective July 1, 2026, or when the State Department of Social Services determines the Statewide Automated Welfare System can implement the changes, the bill eliminates the immunization documentation requirement for children not enrolled in school and removes the associated financial penalties. Instead, the bill requires that applicants and recipients be given notice about the existing immunization requirements for children entering schools, childcare centers, and other educational institutions. The notice must include information about how to obtain immunizations through various providers like Medi-Cal, county public health clinics, and other local sources. Importantly, the bill also specifies that no additional state funds will be appropriated to implement these changes, which suggests the modifications will be made within existing administrative resources.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB290