CA AB3224

Requires that all eligibility decisions for Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and CalFresh made by California counties must be made exclusively by merit or civil service employees.

Implements federal requirements under Title 42 CFR Section 431.10 (Medicaid) and Title 7 CFR Section 272.4 (SNAP/CalFresh) that mandate merit-based personnel standards for benefit program administration.

Codifies protections against potential federal policy changes that could allow non-merit system personnel to make eligibility determinations for these safety net programs.

Establishes that merit or civil service status of personnel determining benefit eligibility is essential to protect program integrity and safeguard recipients.

Approved by Governor on August 20, 2018, and adds Section 10503 to the Welfare and Institutions Code.