CA SB285

Requires the State Department of Social Services to oversee a state and local accountability partnership to increase CalFresh participation, with statewide enrollment goals of 75% by January 1, 2021, 85% by July 1, 2022, and 95% by July 1, 2024.

Mandates that individuals have the option to apply, report, and recertify for CalFresh in person, by mail, online, or by telephone, with ability to complete interviews and signatures by phone.

Requires the State Department of Social Services to maintain a dynamic, publicly available CalFresh data dashboard tracking enrollment, retention, application outcomes, and demographic data by county and census tract.

Directs the department to develop and execute a plan of support and technical assistance for counties implementing telephone-based CalFresh application and renewal processes, with compliance deadlines of January 1, 2022 for C-IV and LRS counties and January 1, 2023 for WCDS counties.

Requires CalSAWS public-facing elements to allow users to initiate applications for other health and human services benefits, including WIC, to minimize enrollment burdens for eligible individuals and households.