Bill > SB444

This bill modifies California's existing state policy on food access by expanding the declaration that every human being has the right to access sufficient, affordable, and healthy food to specifically emphasize that this food should be locally grown and raised. The bill requires several state agencies, including those responsible for social services, agriculture, health care, education, and public health, to consider this updated policy when developing or revising policies, regulations, and grant criteria related to food distribution. Additionally, these agencies will be required to report to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, detailing their progress in implementing policies that support locally grown and raised, affordable, and healthy food access. The bill also provides a technical definition of food insecurity and includes a provision that clarifies this policy does not create a new state obligation to provide food assistance or require additional resource expenditures. The reporting requirement will be considered inoperative on January 1, 2031, and must comply with existing government code reporting standards.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB444