Assembly Member Arambula's legislation aims to enhance coordination between county human services agencies and public higher education institutions in California, responding to data showing that over half of the state's college students face housing insecurity while nearly two-thirds experience food insecurity.

The bill modifies existing protocols between county human services agencies and public higher education institutions by requiring counties to incorporate input from campus basic needs directors and coordinators when developing engagement procedures. It directs the State Department of Social Services to create a comprehensive training program for basic needs directors, campus center staff, and eligibility workers. The department must also establish a quarterly workgroup comprising all 58 county staff liaisons, campus basic needs representatives, and officials from the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California systems.

To measure outcomes and guide future improvements, the legislation requires the Department of Social Services to submit reports to the Legislature beginning May 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter. These reports will analyze enrollment trends and evaluate the accessibility of social services programs to college students. The bill maintains existing confidentiality requirements while allowing the department to implement changes through all-county letters rather than formal rulemaking procedures.

The measure builds upon current requirements for community colleges to designate basic needs coordinators and for counties to maintain staff liaisons for academic counselors. County human services agencies will continue serving as primary points of contact for students seeking information about available social services programs, with additional coordination now required between campus staff and county offices to streamline service delivery.