Bill > SB761

This bill aims to expand student eligibility for CalFresh (California's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) by simplifying the process for students to qualify for food assistance benefits. The bill establishes a new data-sharing agreement between the Student Aid Commission and the Department of Social Services, allowing the sharing of student contact information with their consent to help identify and connect students with basic needs resources, including CalFresh. Starting July 1, 2026, any campus-based program at public higher education institutions will be automatically considered an approved educational program that increases employability, which makes students eligible for CalFresh benefits. The bill requires the California Community Colleges and California State University systems to submit lists of their programs to be approved, and allows individual campuses to apply for certification if their programs are not initially included. Additionally, the legislation mandates annual reporting on the number of approved programs and requires campuses to contact students who have opted in to receive information about basic needs resources. The data sharing will be done with strict privacy protections, ensuring student information is only used for the intended purpose of connecting students with support services. This bill seeks to reduce barriers for students accessing food assistance and increase awareness of available resources.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB761