Public social services: tax-exempt nonprofit organizations.

Assembly Member Bonta's legislation expands nonprofit eligibility for California's refugee and immigrant service programs by allowing organizations with state tax-exempt status to qualify for public social service grants and contracts. The bill modifies five sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code to include nonprofits exempt under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 23701d alongside those with federal 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(5) status.

The amendments apply to multiple programs administered by the Department of Social Services, including refugee social services, immigration legal services, rapid response assistance, and the Enhanced Services for Asylees and Vulnerable Noncitizens program. Participating organizations must maintain specific qualifications beyond tax status, such as three years of relevant experience, demonstrated training capacity, and compliance with program-specific requirements. The department retains authority to monitor services, require reporting, and conduct audits of grant recipients.

For immigration legal service providers, additional criteria include recognition by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Legal Access Programs or eligibility for State Bar Trust Fund Program funding. Organizations must carry malpractice insurance and indemnify the state against claims arising from provided services. The legislation maintains existing program structures while broadening the pool of potential service providers through this definitional change.