CalWORKs.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas's CalWORKs reform legislation modifies immunization documentation requirements for program participants, eliminating the mandate that families provide vaccination records for children not enrolled in school. The measure removes provisions that currently restrict grant calculations for parents and caretakers who fail to submit such documentation.

Under the proposed changes, which take effect July 1, 2026, CalWORKs applicants and recipients will receive notices explaining immunization obligations only for children attending schools, childcare centers, nursery schools, and similar facilities - aligning program requirements with existing school enrollment policies. The notices must detail how families can access immunizations through Medi-Cal providers, county health clinics, and other local resources. Counties retain authority to extend documentation deadlines by 30 days when families face barriers to immunization services, including situations involving domestic violence.

The legislation maintains the Department of Social Services' responsibility to track sanctions related to immunization compliance while ending continuous General Fund appropriations specifically tied to enforcing the current documentation requirements. Implementation timing depends on verification that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can accommodate the modified procedures.