CalFresh: student eligibility.

Senator Ashby's CalFresh student eligibility legislation establishes automatic qualification for campus-based programs at California public higher education institutions while creating new data-sharing protocols to identify eligible students. The bill replaces the current program-by-program approval process with blanket recognition of campus programs as state-approved local educational initiatives that meet federal exemption requirements for supplemental nutrition assistance.

The Student Aid Commission must modify its Grant Delivery System by January 2027 to identify potentially CalFresh-eligible students and enable them to opt into information sharing with the Department of Social Services. The department will develop data agreements with the commission, county agencies, and public higher education systems to facilitate student outreach. Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, participating counties and institutions may contact students who consent to determine their eligibility and provide application assistance.

The chancellors of the California Community Colleges and California State University systems must submit comprehensive lists of their campus-based programs to the department for approval, while the University of California president is requested to do the same. The department will implement these changes through administrative notices and must report annually through 2030 on program approvals, pending applications, and denials to legislative committees. If the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates local costs, counties will receive reimbursement under existing statutory provisions.