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AB 593

CalFresh: data sharing.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Buffy Wicks

AB 593 expands data sharing between CalFresh and state agencies to verify eligibility and prevent duplicate benefits, effective immediately upon Governor's signature.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 698, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 593

Legislative bill overview

AB 593 authorizes expanded data sharing between CalFresh (California's food assistance program) administrators and other state agencies to improve program administration and eligibility verification. The bill streamlines information exchange to reduce fraud, eliminate duplicative benefits, and enhance service delivery across multiple welfare programs.

Why is this important

CalFresh serves over 3 million Californians annually. Better data coordination can prevent improper payments, identify eligible individuals more efficiently, and reduce administrative burden on applicants. However, this also involves sharing personal information across government databases, which affects privacy considerations for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Expanded data sharing between agencies increases the volume of personal information in government systems, raising questions about data security and whether individuals understand what information is being shared
  • Scope of data exchange: The bill's specific parameters on which agencies can access CalFresh data and under what circumstances may be unclear, creating potential for mission creep
  • Equity implications: While fraud prevention is legitimate, data-sharing systems can sometimes have disparate impacts on certain communities if algorithmic flagging or verification processes are biased

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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