CalFresh: student eligibility.

Senator Ashby's CalFresh student eligibility legislation establishes automatic qualification for campus-based programs at California public colleges and universities as employment-training programs that exempt students from CalFresh restrictions. The measure replaces the current program-by-program approval process with blanket recognition of qualifying campus programs starting July 2026.

The bill creates a data-sharing framework between the Student Aid Commission and Department of Social Services to identify potentially eligible students for CalFresh outreach. Students can opt in to have their contact information shared with county agencies and educational institutions for direct communication about available food benefits. Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, California Community Colleges and California State University campuses must contact students who consent to receive information about CalFresh and application assistance services.

To maintain oversight, the Department of Social Services must report annually through 2030 on approved campus programs, pending applications, and denials to legislative committees. The measure requires implementation through departmental guidance rather than formal rulemaking, while mandating compliance with federal and state privacy laws for all data sharing between agencies. Counties may receive state reimbursement for any new administrative costs created by the changes.