CalFresh: student eligibility.

Senator Ashby's proposal to modify CalFresh eligibility for college students would automatically qualify any campus-based program of study at California public higher education institutions as meeting federal requirements for student SNAP exemptions. The measure replaces the current program-by-program approval process with blanket qualification for programs that increase employability.

The bill directs the Student Aid Commission to update its Grant Delivery System by January 2027 to identify students potentially eligible for CalFresh benefits. Students identified through this system may opt to share their contact information with the Department of Social Services for direct outreach about CalFresh eligibility and enrollment assistance. Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, the department would contact students who consent to receive information about applying for food benefits.

Implementation would occur through departmental guidance rather than formal rulemaking. By May 2026, the Department of Social Services must notify leadership at the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California systems about the changes to program qualification criteria. The measure includes provisions for reimbursing counties for any new costs associated with implementing these modifications to student eligibility determination processes.