California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1996

Introduced
2/17/26  
Refer
3/16/26  
Report Pass
4/15/26  
Refer
4/15/26  
Refer
4/29/26  
Report Pass
5/14/26  
Engrossed
5/21/26  
Refer
5/21/26  

Caption

An act to add Article 1 (commencing with Section 20000) to Chapter 1 of Division 11 of Division 11 (commencing with Section 20000) to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to children.

Impact

The bill mandates that the newly formed advisory council will be tasked with several duties, which include analyzing upcoming budget provisions and assessing how legislative actions might affect children’s welfare. The council will consist of 18 members, including state officials and representatives from various sectors, ensuring a diverse perspective in its decision-making. Regular public hearings are to be held to facilitate community participation, particularly engaging working families with nontraditional hours.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1996, introduced by Assembly Member Bonta, aims to establish the California Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council within the California Health and Human Services Agency. This bill highlights the pressing issue of child poverty in California, with the legislature finding that millions of children face significant economic hardship, health disparities, and educational inequities. The bill specifically sets a target of reducing child poverty by 50 percent within a decade, alongside creating a framework for evaluating the impact of various policy proposals on children and their families.

Contention

While the bill seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to tackling child poverty, potential points of contention could arise regarding budget allocations and the effectiveness of policy implementations. Critics may question whether the mandated 50 percent reduction target is realistic given the existing economic landscape. Additionally, discussions may emerge about the responsibilities of state agencies versus local authorities in addressing these complex social issues.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB308

An act to add Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 8300) to Division 8 of Section 4755 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to behavioral health. developmental services.

CA AB785

An act to add Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 8270) to Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to youth.

CA AB2441

Community Supporting Innovation Pilot Program.

CA AB801

An act to add Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 1915) to Division 1.1 of, to add Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 16910) to Division 5 of, and to add Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 50710) to Division 20 of, the Financial Code, relating to financial institutions.

CA AB1088

An act to add Article 16 (commencing with Section 111224.8) to Chapter 5 of Part 5 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health. health, and making an appropriation therefor.

CA AB395

An act to add Section 37224 to, and to add Article 12 (commencing with Section 66095) to Chapter 2 of Part 40 of Division 5 of Title 3 of, the Education Code, and to amend Sections 11131 and 54961 of the Government Code, relating to holidays.

CA AB2034

Food safety: unsafe additives and ingredient disclosures.

CA SB445

An act to add Section 187040 to, and to add and repeal Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 185520) of Division 19.

CA AB1130

An act to add Article 10 (commencing with Section 1980) to Chapter 4 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. amend Section 84513 of the Government Code, relating to the Political Reform Act of 1974.

CA AB2077

Protect the Promise Act.

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CA SB550

An act to add and repeal Article 9.

CA AB922

An act to add Section 92612.

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