CA AB396

Requires the State Department of Social Services to issue guidance by May 31, 2022 clarifying state and federal eligibility requirements for campus-based programs to qualify as state-approved local educational programs that increase employability under the CalFresh student exemption.

Mandates that campus-based programs at California Community Colleges and California State University meeting eligibility requirements submit certification applications to the department by September 1, 2022, with six-month submission deadlines for programs formed after that date.

Requests (but does not mandate) that University of California campus-based programs submit certification applications by the same deadlines as CSU and community college programs.

Requires the department to approve campus-based programs that meet established eligibility requirements and to report annually through 2030 to specified legislative committees on the number of approved programs, pending applications, and denied applications.

Authorizes the department to implement these provisions through all-county letters without following standard rulemaking procedures; establishes reimbursement procedures if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill imposes state-mandated costs on local agencies.