Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment but does not list a specific effective date or Governor's signature status in the provided metadata.
Keeping CalFresh Benefits at a Set Level
This law requires California to keep food benefits from dropping below the level they were on January 20, 2025, if federal changes would lower them.
What This Bill Does
- Requires the State Department of Social Services to maintain CalFresh benefit levels at least as high as those in effect on January 20, 2025, under the Thrifty Food Plan.
- Activates this requirement only if federal changes would lower benefits below that specific date's level.
- Allows the state to use its own money to pay for any extra costs needed to keep benefits from dropping, subject to an appropriation.
- Orders a study on whether it is possible to increase who can get CalFresh and how much they receive.
- Requires a report with findings from the study to be sent to legislative committees by January 1, 2027.
Who It Names or Affects
- The California State Department of Social Services
- Individuals who currently receive CalFresh benefits
- Legislative policy committees and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Terms To Know
- CalFresh
- The name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in California.
- Thrifty Food Plan
- A plan created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture used to calculate how much money SNAP benefits should be worth.
Limits and Unknowns
- The state can only use its own funds for extra costs if lawmakers approve an appropriation.
- The requirement to study and report on increasing eligibility ends automatically on January 1, 2031.
- The text does not specify exactly how much money the state might need to spend.