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AB 548

Enhanced Services for Asylees and Vulnerable Noncitizens program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by José Solache

The bill narrows ESAVN eligibility to DHS-screened individuals from 2024–2026, expands provider eligibility with shorter experience requirements, and requires public data on progra

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 548

AB 548 — Enhanced Services for Asylees and Vulnerable Noncitizens (Solache)

Status: In committee — Held under submission (05/23/2025). Introduced: 02/11/2025.

Purpose

AB 548 amends the Welfare and Institutions Code to revise eligibility, provider requirements, and reporting for the Enhanced Services for Asylees and Vulnerable Noncitizens (ESAVN) program, which funds short-term resettlement and case‑management services under the State Department of Social Services. Funding remains subject to appropriation in the annual Budget Act.

Key provisions and changes

  • Eligibility
    • Replaces the former trigger (grant of asylum or eligibility under Section 13283) with a defined screening window. Services would be available to persons who:
    • Entered the United States, and
    • Were screened by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security between January 1, 2024 and January 1, 2026 (inclusive).
    • A person may show California residency with documentation such as a California driver’s license/ID, utility bill, or rental history.
    • “Vulnerable noncitizen” remains defined by eligibility under Section 13283; the bill introduces the term “eligible person” for those meeting the new screening criteria.
  • Service period
    • Program services are provided for up to 90 days within the first year following the DHS screening (whereas prior language tied the 90‑day period to grant of asylum or eligibility under 13283).
  • Provider qualifications
    • Grants/contracts must be executed only with nonprofit organizations that meet the referenced Internal Revenue Code 501(c) requirements (paragraph (3) or (5) of subsection (c) of Sec. 501) and have at least one year (amended from three years) of experience providing:
    • Case management services (as defined in law), and
    • Culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
  • Services specified
    • Culturally appropriate case management, assistance applying for benefits, cultural orientation, navigation of public benefits/healthcare systems, community connection, English instruction, employment training, job placement assistance, and professional recredentialing/licensing assistance.
  • Data, evaluation, transparency
    • The department must collaborate with service providers to determine outcome metrics.
    • The department must collect data from grantees on those metrics and post findings on its website.
    • Funds may be used for formal evaluations; grantees must report/monitor/audit services as required by the department.

Who is affected

  • Individuals: Asylees and vulnerable noncitizens who meet the new DHS screening window and residency criteria—i.e., persons screened by DHS between 1/1/2024 and 1/1/2026 and currently residing in California.
  • Service providers: Nonprofit organizations eligible for ESAVN contracts/grants (now subject to a one‑year experience floor).
  • State agencies: California Department of Social Services — responsibilities include contracting, metrics development, data collection, posting results, and oversight.

Timeline & procedural status

  • Introduced 02/11/2025; read and amended in Assembly human services committee (March–April 2025).
  • Referred to Assembly Appropriations (suspense file); most recent action: Held under submission in committee (05/23/2025).
  • Program implementation would depend on appropriation in the annual Budget Act.

Potential impacts to note

  • The screening‑date limitation narrows eligibility to a specific cohort (DHS‑screened between 2024–2026), which may reduce or concentrate who may receive ESAVN services versus prior broader triggers.
  • Reducing the nonprofit experience requirement from three years to one year may expand the pool of eligible providers.
  • Mandatory data collection and public posting increase transparency and could inform future budgeting or statutory adjustments.

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

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