CA AB2299

Creates the California Antihunger Response and Employment Training (CARET) program to provide state-funded food assistance benefits to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who lose CalFresh eligibility due to the federal 3-month time limit

CARET recipients receive the same benefit amount they would have received under CalFresh and remain eligible for CalFresh Employment and Training program services

Requires the Department of Social Services to issue guidance by April 1, 2028 on maximizing use of federal percentage exemptions, including potential redistribution of exemptions between counties

Responds to federal House Resolution 1 (Public Law 119-21), which the Legislature identifies as the largest cut to CalFresh in program history, with 800,000 Californians expected to lose benefits

Benefits will be issued through a state-administered electronic benefits transfer system that may also be used for other state-funded food assistance programs