California Welfare and Institutions Code

§ 18900.95

WIC § 18900.95 Effective Sep 17, 2025Div. 9 · Part 6 · Ch. 10

Statute text

(a)(1) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section that California’s state cost share for CalFresh benefits pursuant to Section 10105 of Public Law 119-21 (7 U.S.C. Sec. 2013(a)) be reduced to the greatest extent possible by reducing the CalFresh payment error rate to the greatest extent possible.

(2)It is further the intent of the Legislature that these efforts shall mitigate adverse impacts or restrictions for CalFresh applicants or recipients, and shall not result in a reduction in the eligible population accessing benefits, so as not to cause increased hunger for the population served by this program to the maximum extent possible. It is further the intent of the Legislature to reduce administrative burden and improve the client experience.

(b)(1) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the State Department of Social Services may, until October 1, 2027, and when necessary to reduce the CalFresh payment error rate, implement and administer the CalFresh program by means of all-county letters and emergency regulations. The department may readopt any emergency regulation authorized by this section that is the same as, or substantially equivalent to, an emergency regulation previously adopted under this section. All-county letters and emergency regulations adopted under this section shall not impede or reduce an applicant’s or recipient’s access to benefits, or benefits themselves, for which they are eligible under this chapter.

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Legislative history

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 107, Sec. 8. (SB 146) Effective September 17, 2025.