CA SB1322

Requires counties participating in the Food Stamp Employment and Training (FSET) program to screen food stamp work registrants and determine whether they will participate in or be deferred from the program.

Allows work registrants deferred from mandatory FSET participation to voluntarily enroll in the program, and defines deferral criteria based on federal regulations and work surplus area residency.

Requires counties to demonstrate effective use of FSET funds in their plans and allows self-initiated workfare as an option to meet work requirements starting October 1, 2011.

Specifies that counties have no duty to provide workers' compensation coverage for FSET participants who choose self-initiated workfare.

Requires the state department to implement the law through all-county letters initially and adopt formal regulations by October 1, 2012.