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AB 969

CalWORKs: family violence option and gender-based violence information.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by María Elena Durazo and 1 co-sponsor

AB 969 strengthens CalWORKs protections for domestic violence survivors by mandating family violence screening, accommodations, and gender-based violence resources statewide.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 386, Statutes of 2025.
#calworks #familyviolenceoptionandgender-basedviolenceinformation
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Bill Summary · AB 969

Legislative bill overview

AB 969 expands California's CalWORKs (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program by strengthening protections and resources for participants experiencing family violence and gender-based violence. The bill requires the state to provide enhanced information, support options, and accommodations for domestic violence survivors within the welfare system, including a formalized "family violence option" that allows eligible participants to waive certain program requirements when safety concerns exist.

Why is this important

Domestic violence is a significant barrier to economic self-sufficiency, and welfare recipients experience higher rates of intimate partner violence than the general population. By integrating violence protections into CalWORKs—which serves over 300,000 California families—the bill aims to prevent program rules from inadvertently trapping survivors in abusive situations or punishing them for fleeing danger. This can improve both safety outcomes and economic stability for vulnerable families.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and cost: Implementing expanded screening, staff training, and individualized accommodations may increase administrative expenses for counties already managing constrained budgets
  • Privacy and stigma concerns: Requiring disclosure of domestic violence to access accommodations may discourage participation among survivors fearful of involvement with government agencies or child protective services
  • Defining "gender-based violence": The scope and specificity of what constitutes qualifying violence could create inconsistent application across counties and potential disputes over eligibility determinations

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

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