CA SB242

Requires the Treasurer to verify cause of death and family income for children whose parent/guardian died of COVID-19 using government documents or sworn statements, expanding perjury liability for false statements.

Prohibits HOPE trust account funds and investment returns from being counted as income or assets for means-tested programs (CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, etc.) until eligible youth withdraw funds, effective July 1, 2025 or upon system automation completion.

Makes one-time lump-sum HOPE trust account payments exempt from money judgments by levy, except for child support, spousal support, family support, and criminal restitution.

Authorizes the Treasurer to share limited information with the Franchise Tax Board to verify eligibility, with strict confidentiality protections and prohibition on broader disclosure or use of tax information.

Expands the HOPE Trust Account Program Board from 9 to 11 members, adds provisions for automatic enrollment of eligible children to the extent possible, requires annual audited financial reporting, and mandates information dissemination to families about enrollment and fund transfer options.