Bill > AB2765

This bill aims to protect vulnerable populations, particularly foster youth and low-income families, from the impacts of recent federal changes to nutrition assistance programs. It clarifies that individuals responsible for dependent children aged 14 or older will be considered "able-bodied adults without dependents" (ABAWDs) under new federal rules, which could limit their access to CalFresh (California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP). To counter potential hunger among foster youth due to these federal changes, the bill mandates that the state seek a federal waiver to exempt certain vulnerable foster youth, such as those who have experienced trafficking, interpersonal violence, homelessness, chronic illness, disability, or have children of their own, from these new SNAP time limits. The bill also proposes an increase in the monthly allowance for recurring special needs for families in the CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) program, which provides cash assistance and other benefits to low-income families, by changing the calculation factor from $10 to $15 per eligible family member, and allows this allowance to be provided as a food benefit. Furthermore, it expands eligibility for these special needs allowances to households receiving aid under other provisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code, even if they are not currently receiving CalWORKs, to prevent immediate child suffering from hunger or other unmet needs.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2765