California · 2025–26 Regular Session · Assembly Bill
AB 1746: CalWORKs: childcare request forms.
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
AB 1746 is a assembly bill introduced in the California Assembly on February 9, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: CalWORKs: childcare request forms. Primary sponsor: Laurie Davies (R). Most recent recorded action (August 13, 2026): In committee: Held under submission.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.
Existing federal law provides for allocation of federal funds through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program to eligible states. Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which, through a combination of state and county funds and federal funds received through the TANF program, each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families. Existing law provides for state-subsidized childcare programs and childcare for recipients of benefits under the CalWORKs program and establishes 3 stages of childcare services managed by county welfare departments and agencies contracting with the State Department of Social Services.
Existing law requires an applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be provided written notice, both at the time of application and when they sign an original or amended welfare-to-work plan, informing them of, among other things, the availability of paid childcare to allow them to be employed or participate in welfare-to-work activities. Existing law requires an applicant for, or recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be asked to sign a copy of the written notice acknowledging that they have been informed of and received the notice, as specified.
This bill would instead require an applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be provided written notice, and verbally informed, of the availability of paid childcare, as described above, at the time of application, approval, and when they sign an original or amended welfare-to-work plan, annual certificate of eligibility, or a semiannual report form. The bill would specify that a “written notice,” for purposes of these provisions, includes a CalWORKs childcare request form. Upon receipt of a CalWORKs childcare request form and eligibility information, the bill would require a county to approve or deny the request for childcare within 10 calendar days. The bill would require the department to implement these provisions through an all-county letter or similar instruction on or before June 1, 2027, until regulations are adopted. By imposing additional duties on counties, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Existing law, commencing January 1, 2021, or the date that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation, whichever date is later, requires the written notice described above to additionally be provided to a recipient at the time of orientation, when they are assigned to a program activity, when they report new or increased participation in a program activity, and when they report new earned income or employment.
This bill would extend that commencement date from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2028.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurie Davies | Primary sponsor | Republican | Assembly | 74 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- In committee: Held under submission.
- In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file.
- From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 29). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
- In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
- Referred to Com. on HUMAN S.
- In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
- Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 77. Noes 1. Page 5398.)
- Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
- Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
- From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).
- In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
- Re-referred to Com. on APPR.