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AB-553 • 2026

CalFresh: food access.

CalFresh: food access.

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Caloza
Last action
Official status
Chaptered
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill text does not specify an effective date, only that it was chaptered in July 2025.

CalFresh Food Access

This law requires the state department in charge of social services to maximize food choices for CalFresh users, including hot meals ready to eat.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the State Department of Social Services to maximize all available food options for recipients under federal law.
  • Includes hot foods and products that are ready to be eaten right away in these expanded choices.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who receive CalFresh benefits
  • The California State Department of Social Services

Terms To Know

CalFresh
California's name for the federal food assistance program called SNAP.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The law only allows changes that follow existing federal rules.
  • The text does not list specific dates for when new food options will be available in stores.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Chaptered

Official Summary Text

CalFresh: food access.