CA AB1324

Eliminates the requirement that parents work less than 100 hours in the preceding four weeks to qualify for CalWORKs assistance based on unemployment, effective July 1, 2026 or later; families remain eligible regardless of hours worked if they meet income limits

Allows CalWORKs aid to be paid to families when a parent or caretaker relative is participating in a strike or lockout, removing the previous prohibition on aid during strikes (except for health/safety hazards)

Requires the Department of Social Services to conduct a CalWORKs expansion feasibility study with cost estimates and statutory change recommendations, due to the Legislature by January 1, 2028

Adds self-employment as an explicitly recognized welfare-to-work activity and requires counties to prioritize subsidized employment placements with employers that have labor agreements and no history of labor or environmental law violations in the past 10 years

Mandates county subsidized employment plans prevent placements that would supplant public employee positions and requires consultation with labor unions and public benefit advocates on funding allocation methodology