WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1201

CalFresh: veteran eligibility.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Archuleta and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1201 would allow waivers to exclude veterans’ job-search costs from CalFresh income calculations and grant exemptions from time limits and work requirements for certain veterans

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (June 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
#calfresh #veteraneligibility
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1201

Summary of SB 1201 (California, 2025-2026) – CalFresh: Veteran Eligibility

Purpose and Intent

SB 1201, introduced by Senator McNerney, seeks to modify CalFresh (California’s SNAP program) rules to improve veteran eligibility and reduce barriers related to veterans’ job-search costs, work requirements, and time limits. The bill aims to:
- Allow waivers to exclude certain veteran-related costs and circumstances from CalFresh eligibility calculations and benefit levels.
- Expand protections for specific veteran groups from CalFresh time limits and work requirements.
- Ensure that veterans receive appropriate referrals through the CalFresh Employment and Training program (CalFresh ET).

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Waiver to Exclude Job-Search Costs from Countable Income

  • The State Department of Social Services (CDSS) would, on or before April 1, 2027, request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude costs incurred by a veteran in connection with the veteran’s job search from being counted as income when determining CalFresh eligibility and benefit levels.
  • If approved, the waiver must be implemented within six months of approval.

2) Waiver to Exempt Certain Veterans from Time Limits and Work Requirements

  • The bill would authorize CDSS to request a waiver from USDA to exempt certain veterans from CalFresh time limits and associated work requirements. Eligible groups (per the bill) include:
    • Veterans discharged within the last year
    • Veterans with children at home
    • Veterans with pending disability claims with the VA
    • Homeless veterans
  • The waiver, once approved, would be implemented within six months.

3) CalFresh Employment and Training (ET) Provisions

  • For counties electing to participate in CalFresh ET, SB 1201 would require that:
    • A veteran who is required to register for work, whether or not they are exempt from mandatory placement in CalFresh ET, be provided with referrals to veterans’ assistance and job training agencies if those agencies are known to the county.
    • This expands the current rule by ensuring referrals are provided regardless of exemption status.

4) State Mandates and Reimbursement

  • The bill contains standard language regarding state-mandated local programs and potential reimbursement, noting that if the California Commission on State Mandates determines costs are mandated by the state, reimbursement would follow existing statutory procedures.

5) Definitions

  • The bill clearly defines key terms:
    • “Armed Forces of the United States” includes Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
    • “Veteran” means a person who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and was discharged or released.

Who Is Affected

  • CalFresh (SNAP) recipients who are veterans, particularly those who would benefit from job-search-related income exclusions and protection from time limits/work requirements.
  • County welfare departments administering CalFresh ET, which would need to provide additional referrals to veterans’ services and training agencies.
  • Veterans who are homeless, have children, are recent dischargees, or have pending disability claims, who may gain exemptions from time limits and work requirements if waivers are approved.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: February 19, 2026
  • Current action history indicates hearings and committee referrals in early 2026, with a planned hearing in May 2026.
  • Compliance deadlines, if waivers are approved:
    • CDSS must submit waiver requests to USDA by April 1, 2027.
    • Approved waivers must be implemented within six months of USDA approval.

Fiscal and Local Impact

  • The bill contemplates possible increased duties on counties to provide referrals; it includes standard reimbursement provisions if costs are deemed state-mandated.
  • There is no new state appropriation indicated in the bill text itself; any cost implications would be evaluated by the Commission on State Mandates for reimbursement.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current CalFresh rules or a plain-languageFAQ for veterans and county social service staff.

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

Sign in to ask a question.