Human services.
What changed between versions
CalWORKs maximum aid payments increased by 1.8% starting October 1, 2026 (up from a prior 0.3% increase).
County CalFresh administrative cost contribution capped for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29 at the lower of the county's 2024-25 expenditure or its Budget Act of 2024 required contribution; counties receive full General Fund allocation once they reach that cap. Provisions inoperative July 1, 2030 and repealed January 1, 2031.
$344,000 General Fund appropriation to SDSS for CalFresh transparency initiatives, available until September 30, 2029.
General Fund moneys authorized beginning July 1, 2026 to help support the Home Care Services program alongside fee revenues; prior General Fund loan repayment provision deleted.
Fiscal notes changed: appropriation from 'no' to 'yes', fiscal committee from 'no' to 'yes', state-mandated local program from 'no' to 'yes', reflecting the bill's new substantive funding and mandate content.
Home care organization license renewal transitions from every 2 years to annually starting January 1, 2029. Initial license fee set at $5,603; 2-year renewal fee of $5,603 until January 1, 2029, then annual fee of $2,802. New late fees, payment processing fees, and probation monitoring fees established starting January 1, 2029.
Adoption Assistance Program: starting January 1, 2028, out-of-home placement payments limited to licensed short-term residential therapeutic programs with a 12-month cumulative period (one-time 6-month extension allowed). New authorization for wraparound services in lieu of out-of-home placement with consecutive reauthorizations permitted. Rate cap tied to Tiered Rate Structure components.
Office of Youth and Community Restoration ombudsperson: can now meet with youth individually or in groups; permitted equipment expanded to include state-issued computers, recording devices, cameras, and internet access technology. Definition of 'record' expanded to include grievances and complaints. Youth Bill of Rights posters must be posted near telephones and copies made available in lobbies and visiting areas.
Funds in federal 'Trump accounts' (under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) are prohibited from being counted as income or assets for means-tested program eligibility until withdrawn. Operative July 1, 2026 or when CWS-CARES automation is ready, whichever is later.
Immigration legal services program expanded to include immigrants under 21 in removal proceedings (previously only unaccompanied undocumented minors transferred to federal custody). Services expanded to include social services, and contracts must prioritize social services for eligible immigrant youth.
New Tribal Foster Care Prevention Initiative established to provide state funding (subject to appropriation) to federally recognized Indian tribes in California for family preservation and preventing foster care entry. Tribes must submit annual letters of interest by May 1 and progress reports by September 30.
IHSS collective bargaining: counties that have not reached agreement after factfinding panel recommendations released before June 30, 2026 get 90 days to agree; if no agreement, Realignment fund withholding occurs October 1, 2026.
Mello-Granlund Older Californians Act deadline for identifying programs and developing consumer engagement plan extended from September 30, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project extended from January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028. EBT all-county letter authority extended from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2030.
California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program: report due by June 1, 2028; inoperative date extended to January 1, 2029; repeal date extended to January 1, 2030.
Home care biennial inspection regulations deadline extended from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028. CalWORKs single allocation reconsideration schedule changed to 2024-25, 2028-29, and every 3rd fiscal year thereafter. IHSS budget review schedule changed to 2025-26, 2029-30, and every 3rd fiscal year.
New Health and Safety Code Chapter 3.66 authorizes electronic signatures and electronic payments for SDSS information technology systems. Users who elect electronic payment are responsible for processing costs including service fees, transaction fees, convenience fees, and credit card surcharges.
New Government Code Section 13074.1 authorizes the Department of Finance to use reasonable estimates when necessary data is unavailable for cost-of-living or annual adjustment factor calculations; such calculations are deemed final.