Emergency Diaper and Wipe Distribution Program.

Assembly Member Calderon's proposal for an Emergency Diaper and Wipe Distribution Program would create a new disaster response mechanism to provide essential supplies to families with young children affected by California natural disasters. The Department of Social Services would activate the program following gubernatorial emergency declarations for events such as wildfires, floods, or earthquakes, maintaining operations for at least one year after each proclamation.

The department would establish eligibility criteria and select participating entities based on their capacity to distribute supplies in affected areas. These entities must submit quarterly reports detailing the number of families served, quantities of diapers and wipes distributed, and costs associated with procurement and storage. The bill's findings note that diapers can consume approximately 4% of minimum wage earnings per child, while existing aid programs like CalFresh and WIC do not cover these items.

Implementation requires specific budget appropriations, with funds to be spent within 36 months of receipt. The department may allocate up to 10% of program funds for administrative costs. To expedite emergency response, the bill exempts the program from standard state contracting requirements and Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking provisions. This builds upon existing diaper assistance efforts, including the CalWORKs program's $30 monthly diaper allowance for welfare-to-work participants with children under 36 months.