CA AB2948

Adds a final order of adoption issued by a tribal court as a qualifying circumstance for Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) benefits for Indian children who were juvenile court dependents immediately prior to case transfer.

Allows the State Department of Social Services to implement the new tribal court order provision through all-county letters and similar written instructions until formal regulations are adopted.

Expands AAP eligibility criteria, creating a state-mandated local program for counties responsible for determining eligibility and providing financial aid.

Exempts the state from reimbursing local agencies for costs related to this mandate to the extent it increases costs already borne under the 2011 Realignment Legislation, unless the state provides annual funding for the increase.

Effective August 19, 2024.