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AB 1074

CalWORKs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darsh Patel

AB 1074 clarifies CalWORKs eligibility for low-income families, ensuring aid during child reunification and streamlining support for parents in out-of-home care.

Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
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Bill Summary · AB 1074

Summary of AB 1074 - CalWORKs

Bill Number: AB 1074
Author: Patel
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Consideration of Governor's veto pending
Classification: Bill
Subject: CalWORKs

Purpose and Intent

AB 1074 aims to amend provisions related to the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, which provides cash assistance and other benefits to low-income families. The bill seeks to clarify eligibility criteria for parents receiving aid when their children are placed in out-of-home care, ensuring that families can access necessary support during reunification efforts.

Key Provisions

  1. Eligibility Clarifications:

    • The bill specifies that parents can be considered living with their children for up to six months after the children are removed from the home, allowing them to receive aid as if the children were still living with them.
    • It clarifies that not all children need to be removed for parents to qualify for aid, and that the needs of parents do not have to be included in the grant at the time of removal.

  2. Implementation Timeline:

    • The provisions regarding aid and childcare services will become operative on July 1, 2026, or when the Statewide Automated Welfare System can accommodate the necessary changes, whichever is later.
    • The bill prohibits retroactive payments or underpayments prior to the implementation date.

  3. Immunization Requirements:

    • Families participating in a reunification case plan will be exempt from certain immunization documentation requirements.

  4. Welfare-to-Work Plans:

    • The bill allows for a CalWORKs family reunification plan to be developed either as a standalone case plan or as a jointly developed plan with child welfare services, satisfying the welfare-to-work requirement.

  5. Local Program Mandates:

    • The bill imposes state-mandated local program responsibilities on counties, which may require additional funding and resources.

  6. Funding Provisions:

    • Continuous appropriations from the General Fund for county costs under CalWORKs will not be made for the purposes of implementing this bill.
    • If costs are mandated by the state, reimbursement procedures will follow existing statutory provisions.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill primarily affects low-income families participating in the CalWORKs program, particularly those undergoing reunification processes after child removal. It also impacts county welfare departments responsible for administering these programs.
  • Administrative Changes: Counties will need to adapt their processes to accommodate the new eligibility criteria and welfare-to-work plan options, which may involve additional training and resources.

Legislative Actions

  • The bill has passed through various legislative stages, including amendments and approvals in both the Assembly and Senate. It was presented to the Governor on September 22, 2025, and has since been vetoed, with consideration of the veto currently pending.

Conclusion

AB 1074 represents a significant effort to enhance support for families in the CalWORKs program, particularly in the context of child welfare and reunification. By clarifying eligibility and streamlining processes, the bill aims to provide necessary assistance to families during challenging times.

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

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