CA AB518

Requires the State Department of Social Services to develop a methodology by July 1, 2025 for estimating CalFresh participation rates and identifying characteristics of eligible but unenrolled Californians, including race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.

Mandates the department to annually publish the CalFresh participation rate and use collected data to develop targeted outreach strategies and maximize federal CalFresh outreach funding.

Authorizes the department to identify and establish data-sharing agreements with other state and local public entities for purposes of improving CalFresh administration, increasing participation, measuring impact, and expanding access to public health and poverty-alleviating services.

Permits data sharing with specified agencies including health and human services, education institutions, employment agencies, housing authorities, justice-involved entities, and veterans services to the extent permitted by federal law.

Requires the department to designate an executive-level employee to report to the Director of Social Services on implementation of these CalFresh data provisions.