CalFresh: student eligibility.

Senator Ashby's CalFresh student eligibility legislation establishes an automatic approval process for campus-based programs at California public colleges and universities while creating new data-sharing protocols to connect eligible students with nutrition assistance benefits.

The bill designates all campus-based programs of study at public higher education institutions as state-approved programs that increase employability, qualifying enrolled students for CalFresh eligibility exemptions starting July 2026. This replaces the current case-by-case approval system. The California Community Colleges and California State University systems must submit their program lists for departmental review, while the University of California is requested to participate.

A new data-sharing framework between the Student Aid Commission and Department of Social Services enables identification of potentially eligible students through the Grant Delivery System. With student consent, contact information can be shared with county human services agencies and campus offices to facilitate outreach about CalFresh and other basic needs resources. Starting in the 2027-28 academic year, participating campuses must contact students who opted into information sharing. The legislation maintains compliance with federal and state privacy laws by limiting data use strictly to connecting students with services.

The Department must report annually through 2030 on program approvals, pending applications, and denials to legislative committees. While the bill requires no new state funding, it provides reimbursement mechanisms for any mandated local costs as determined by the Commission on State Mandates.