AB 1746 — CalWORKs: childcare request forms.

Summary

Existing federal law provides for allocation of federal funds through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program to eligible states. Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which, through a combination of state and county funds and federal funds received through the TANF program, each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families. Existing law provides for state-subsidized childcare programs and childcare for recipients of benefits under the CalWORKs program and establishes 3 stages of childcare services managed by county welfare departments and agencies contracting with the State Department of Social Services. Existing law requires an applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be provided written notice, both at the time of application and when they sign an original or amended welfare-to-work plan, informing them of, among other things, the availability of paid childcare to allow them to be employed or participate in welfare-to-work activities. Existing law requires an applicant for, or recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be asked to sign a copy of the written notice acknowledging that they have been informed of and received the notice, as specified. This bill would instead require an applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be provided written notice, and verbally informed, of the availability of paid childcare, as described above, at the time of application, approval, and when they sign an original or amended welfare-to-work plan, annual certificate of eligibility, or a semiannual report form. The bill would specify that a "written notice," for purposes of these provisions, includes a CalWORKs childcare request form. Upon receipt of a CalWORKs childcare request form and eligibility information, the bill would require a county to approve or deny the request for childcare within 10 calendar days. The bill would require the department to implement these provisions through an all-county letter or similar instruction on or before June 1, 2027, until regulations are adopted. By imposing additional duties on counties, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law, commencing January 1, 2021, or the date that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation, whichever date is later, requires the written notice described above to additionally be provided to a recipient at the time of orientation, when they are assigned to a program activity, when they report new or increased participation in a program activity, and when they report new earned income or employment. This bill would extend that commencement date from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2028. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Bill Text

• Amended 05/18/26 - Amended Assembly Current pdf May 18, 2026
• Amended 03/26/26 - Amended Assembly pdf March 26, 2026
• Introduced 02/09/26 - Introduced pdf February 09, 2026
• AB1746 View text html

Action History

1. August 13, 2026

   In committee: Held under submission.

2. August 03, 2026

   In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file.

3. June 29, 2026

   From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 29). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

4. June 08, 2026

   In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.

5. June 03, 2026

   Referred to Com. on HUMAN S.

6. May 27, 2026

   In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

7. May 26, 2026

   Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 77. Noes 1.)

8. May 19, 2026

   Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

9. May 18, 2026

   Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.

10. May 14, 2026

    From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).

11. April 15, 2026

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

12. April 06, 2026

    Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

13. March 26, 2026

    Read second time and amended.

14. March 25, 2026

    From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (March 24).

15. February 23, 2026

    Referred to Com. on HUM. S.

16. February 10, 2026

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 12.

17. February 09, 2026

    Read first time. To print.

Sponsors

• Laurie Davies · Primary

Votes

Subjects