CalWORKs: immediate assistance.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill changes CalWORKs rules so that when a family applies, the county must quickly decide if they need emergency help and are apparently eligible, then issue a $200 advance (or the maximum they qualify for) by the next work day. It removes the need to first apply for benefits like unemployment or Social Security, and adds special procedures for eviction notices and referrals to other programs. The measure also clarifies funding and reimbursement responsibilities for counties.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 66. Noes 5. Page 5333.) · May 26, 2026

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 13, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 3, 2026
• Human Services
  Senate Human Services Committee · Jun 29, 2026
• Human Services Committee Hearing
  Human Services · Jun 29, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 14, 2026

History

1. May 27, 2026In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2. May 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 66. Noes 5.)
3. May 18, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
4. May 14, 2026From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 1.) (May 14).
5. May 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
6. Apr 6, 2026Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
7. Mar 26, 2026Read second time and amended.
8. Mar 25, 2026From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 1.) (March 24).
9. Mar 18, 2026Re-referred to Com. on HUM. S.
10. Mar 17, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HUM. S. Read second time and amended.
11. Mar 9, 2026Referred to Com. on HUM. S.
12. Feb 21, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

The 12 most recent of 13 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Celeste Rodriguez (D) · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

Similar bills in other states

Loading the map of where bills like this one were filed.

Topics

Share