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Assembly passes SB 119, a human‑services trailer bill altering CalWORKs, CalFresh and mandated‑reporter training
Summary
The California State Assembly on June 4 passed SB 119, a budget “human services” trailer bill that makes changes to the CalWORKs program, directs standardized training for child‑welfare mandated reporters, and continues state support for housing and homelessness programs. The measure passed on a 54‑11 vote.
The California State Assembly on June 4 passed SB 119, a budget “human services” trailer bill that alters elements of the state’s CalWORKs program, mandates development of standardized training for child‑welfare mandated reporters and continues state support for housing and homelessness programs. Assemblymember Gabriel presented the measure; it passed 54‑11.
Assemblymember Gabriel, the presenting member, said, “This bill makes changes to our CalWORKs program to improve early engagement and help families find pathways to exit poverty.” He also told colleagues the bill requires “the development of a standardized curriculum for child welfare mandated reporters that will emphasize community based support and family preservation and thereby reduce disparities in the child welfare system.”
Supporters told the chamber that SB 119 is intended to modernize the safety net and shore up services as demand rises. Assemblymember Sharp Collins said the bill “takes long overdue steps to modernize the CalWORKs program” and argued that CalWORKs must be central to any effort to address affordability, housing and food insecurity.
Opponents said the bill weakens accountability and fails to address fraud in benefit programs. Assemblymember DeMaio said the measure “contains 0 reforms to the CalFresh program to deal with the erroneous payment rate” and cited what he called a 13.6% erroneous payment rate in CalFresh administration. Assemblymember McKinnon warned the bill “will rip food away from nearly 3 quarter of a million Californians,” saying the changes would shift costs and requirements onto counties and families.
The measure was described on the floor as a budget‑related bill and, as read at introduction, “to take effect immediately.” After debate the Clerk opened the roll; the tally was Ayes 54, Noes 11 and the measure passed.
Supporters and opponents offered sharply different framings: proponents called SB 119 a people‑centered modernization of programs; critics called it punitive and incomplete on fraud and accountability reforms. The bill’s passage now completes the Assembly vote on the item recorded on June 4.
