An act to amend Section 11323.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to CalWORKs.
Summary
AB 1746 would revise California’s CalWORKs childcare notice and request process. It requires counties to provide written and verbal notice about the availability of paid childcare at additional points in the CalWORKs process, including application, approval, welfare-to-work plan signings, annual eligibility certificates, and semiannual report forms. The bill also specifies that the written notice may include a CalWORKs childcare request form, and it directs the Department of Social Services to update notices and forms and implement the changes by all-county letter until regulations are adopted.
The bill further requires counties, once they receive a CalWORKs childcare request form and eligibility information, to approve, deny, or request needed information within 10 calendar days. It also delays to January 1, 2028, a separate existing requirement that additional childcare notices be provided at orientation, when participants are assigned to activities, and when they report changes in participation or earned income, or when automation is available, whichever is later.
Impact
AB 1746 would amend Section 11323.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, expanding county notice obligations and tightening the timeline for county action on childcare requests within the CalWORKs program. It would affect county welfare departments, the Department of Social Services, and CalWORKs applicants and recipients by adding more frequent notice points, requiring verbal notice, and establishing a 10-day processing standard for childcare requests. The bill also creates a state-mandated local program and provides for reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates determines reimbursable costs exist.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. It received unanimous support in committee votes reflected in the record, including a 7-0 vote to do pass as amended and re-refer, and a later 5-0 committee vote to do pass and re-refer to Appropriations. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, so the record shows support but not detailed debate.
Contention
No specific policy controversy is evident in the provided materials, and the bill advanced without recorded opposition in the committee votes shown. The main practical issue implied by the text is administrative burden on counties, since the bill imposes new notice duties and a faster turnaround for childcare requests, which is why it is treated as a state-mandated local program and sent to Appropriations. Another implementation issue is the reliance on the Statewide Automated Welfare System and interim all-county guidance before formal regulations are adopted.