CA AB1461

Expands eligibility for refugee cash assistance and social services to noncitizen victims of trafficking, domestic violence, parental maltreatment, serious crimes, abused/neglected/abandoned children, and individuals fearing persecution.

Prohibits discontinuation of services due to denial of visa applications if the individual qualifies for services on another basis.

Adds new eligible categories including individuals who have filed applications or petitions for T nonimmigrant status, U nonimmigrant status, special immigrant juvenile status, asylum status, Violence Against Women Act relief, or parole as family members of trafficking victims.

Requires the Director of Social Services to adopt implementing regulations by July 1, 2022, and authorizes emergency regulations and all-county letters for interim guidance.

Creates a state-mandated local program requiring counties to administer and determine eligibility for public social services and health care services for expanded noncitizen victim categories.