CA SB278

Requires the California Department of Social Services to finalize an analysis by January 1, 2019, to determine whether it can establish a minimum statewide cost-effective threshold for collecting CalFresh overissuances from former recipients caused by administrative error that exceeds $125.

If adequate information exists, the department must include the higher threshold in the state's claims management plan submitted to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for approval, and establish the threshold upon approval.

Requires county human services agencies to notify the state department when a "mass overissuance" is identified and specify whether it was caused by negligence, fraud, or major systemic error.

Defines "mass overissuance" as an overissuance affecting 8 percent or more of a county's CalFresh caseload or more than 1,000 households, whichever is greater.

Requires the state department to report mass overissuances to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service as required by federal law and establishes reimbursement procedures for any state-mandated local program costs.