SB 1201: CalFresh: veteran eligibility.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing federal law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, under which supplemental nutrition assistance benefits allocated to the state by the federal government are distributed to eligible individuals by each county. Existing federal law establishes eligibility requirements, including specified income eligibility standards, for receipt of CalFresh benefits.

This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, on or before April 1, 2027, to submit a request to the United States Department of Agriculture for a waiver to exclude the costs incurred by a veteran associated with the veteran’s job search from countable income in the determination of eligibility and benefit level for receiving CalFresh benefits and to exempt specified veterans from the time limit and associated work requirements. The bill would require the waivers to be implemented within 6 months from their approval. To the extent the bill would expand the duties of counties, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Existing law authorizes counties to participate in the CalFresh Employment and Training (CalFresh E&T) program, established by federal law, to provide work experience or training and job search training to CalFresh recipients. Existing law requires, in a county that elects to participate in the program, that a veteran applying for CalFresh benefits who is required to register to work, but who is exempt from mandatory placement in the CalFresh E&T program, be provided with specified referrals to veterans’ assistance and job training agencies if those agencies are known to the county.

This bill would require a county to provide those referrals to veterans’ assistance and job training agencies whether or not the veteran applying for CalFresh benefits is exempt from mandatory placement in the CalFresh E&T program.

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.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 13, 2026August 13 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
2. August 5, 2026August 5 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.
3. July 1, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (June 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. June 17, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on M. & V.A. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 16). Re-referred to Com. on M. & V.A.
5. May 26, 2026Referred to Coms. on HUM. S. and M. & V.A.
6. May 20, 2026In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
7. May 20, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 29. Noes 0. Page 4380.) Ordered to the Assembly.
8. May 18, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
9. May 14, 2026From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 5. Noes 0. Page 4269.) (May 14).
10. May 14, 2026Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
11. May 8, 2026Set for hearing May 14.
12. May 4, 2026May 4 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.