Bill > AB1324

This bill proposes several significant changes to California's CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) program, which provides cash assistance to low-income families. Key provisions include: removing the current requirement that an unemployed parent must work less than 100 hours in four weeks to qualify for assistance, instead allowing families to receive aid regardless of work hours as long as they meet income limits; modifying rules around aid eligibility for families participating in strikes or lockouts, now allowing aid payments in such situations to the extent permitted by federal law; adding self-employment as an official welfare-to-work activity; requiring the State Department of Social Services to conduct a feasibility study for CalWORKs expansion and submit a report with recommendations by January 1, 2028; and updating subsidized employment program guidelines, such as prioritizing placements with employers having labor-management agreements and preventing placements that might replace existing public employee work. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for working families receiving assistance and expand opportunities within the CalWORKs program. Most provisions are set to become operative on July 1, 2026, or when the state's welfare system can be automated to implement the changes. The bill also includes provisions for potential state reimbursement of local program costs if mandated.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1324