AB 1640 Summary

• Expands CalWORKs eligibility for pregnant mothers who are 18 years of age or younger to receive aid at any time after verification of pregnancy when the Cal-Learn Program is operative, rather than limiting aid to the birth month and three months prior.

• Maintains existing eligibility for pregnant mothers over 18 to receive aid only for the month in which birth is anticipated and the three months immediately prior to that month.

• Requires county welfare departments to refer all pregnant mothers receiving aid to local Women, Infants and Children program providers.

• Eliminates the continuous General Fund appropriation that would otherwise defray county costs for implementing these expanded eligibility provisions.

• Requires reimbursement for any state-mandated costs to counties through existing statutory procedures if the Commission on State Mandates determines such costs are mandated by the state.