CA AB1968

Create a system by January 1, 2026, to automatically enroll qualifying individuals in CalFresh and the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) who meet eligibility requirements for SSI/SSP or the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).

Require county eligibility workers to regularly contact and notify qualifying individuals of their estimated potential benefits through mail and conduct interviews to assist with applications until the automatic enrollment process takes effect.

Mandate the State Department of Social Services to collaborate with county health and human services agencies to implement these enrollment and notification requirements, including after automatic enrollment begins.

Require the department to seek any necessary waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture by July 1, 2025, to implement the automatic enrollment system.

Impose state-mandated local program duties on counties; provide for reimbursement of costs if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill contains state-mandated expenses.