CalFresh: student eligibility.
- Expands CalFresh food benefits eligibility by automatically qualifying most college programs starting July 2026.
- Creates a data-sharing system between financial aid and social services to identify eligible students.
- Requires colleges to contact students about CalFresh benefits starting in 2027 academic year.
- Mandates annual reporting on program approvals and denials through 2030.
Senator Ashby's proposal to modify CalFresh student eligibility establishes a new framework for identifying and connecting eligible college students with nutrition assistance benefits through streamlined program approvals and coordinated data sharing between state agencies.
Beginning July 2026, any campus-based program of study at California's public higher education institutions will automatically qualify as a state-approved educational program that increases employability for CalFresh eligibility purposes, provided it meets federal requirements. The California Community College and California State University systems must submit their program lists to the Department of Social Services for verification, while the University of California is invited to participate voluntarily. Programs not included in these lists may apply separately for certification.
The legislation creates a data sharing system between the Student Aid Commission and the Department of Social Services to identify potentially eligible students and connect them with benefits. Students must provide explicit consent for their contact information - limited to legal name, email, location, and phone number - to be shared for outreach purposes. Starting in the 2027-28 academic year, participating campuses must contact students who opted into information sharing about available basic needs services and CalFresh benefits. The data sharing agreement includes privacy protections aligned with federal and state laws, restricting information use solely to benefits outreach and support services.
Annual reporting requirements through 2030 will track program approvals, pending applications, and denials across institutions. The Department will implement changes through administrative guidance, with initial notifications to higher education systems required by May 2026. While the bill includes no direct appropriations, it provides for reimbursement of any state-mandated local costs as determined by the Commission on State Mandates.
 Angelique AshbyD Senator | Bill Author |  Not Contacted | |
 David TangipaR Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
 Laura RichardsonD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 0 | 2 | 40 | PASS |
- Expands CalFresh food benefits eligibility by automatically qualifying most college programs starting July 2026.
- Creates a data-sharing system between financial aid and social services to identify eligible students.
- Requires colleges to contact students about CalFresh benefits starting in 2027 academic year.
- Mandates annual reporting on program approvals and denials through 2030.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Senator Ashby's proposal to modify CalFresh student eligibility establishes a new framework for identifying and connecting eligible college students with nutrition assistance benefits through streamlined program approvals and coordinated data sharing between state agencies.
Beginning July 2026, any campus-based program of study at California's public higher education institutions will automatically qualify as a state-approved educational program that increases employability for CalFresh eligibility purposes, provided it meets federal requirements. The California Community College and California State University systems must submit their program lists to the Department of Social Services for verification, while the University of California is invited to participate voluntarily. Programs not included in these lists may apply separately for certification.
The legislation creates a data sharing system between the Student Aid Commission and the Department of Social Services to identify potentially eligible students and connect them with benefits. Students must provide explicit consent for their contact information - limited to legal name, email, location, and phone number - to be shared for outreach purposes. Starting in the 2027-28 academic year, participating campuses must contact students who opted into information sharing about available basic needs services and CalFresh benefits. The data sharing agreement includes privacy protections aligned with federal and state laws, restricting information use solely to benefits outreach and support services.
Annual reporting requirements through 2030 will track program approvals, pending applications, and denials across institutions. The Department will implement changes through administrative guidance, with initial notifications to higher education systems required by May 2026. While the bill includes no direct appropriations, it provides for reimbursement of any state-mandated local costs as determined by the Commission on State Mandates.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 0 | 2 | 40 | PASS |
Angelique AshbyD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
David TangipaR Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Laura RichardsonD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted |