Student nutrition: CalFresh: student eligibility: Federal Application for Student Aid data.

Existing federal law provides for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , known in California as CalFresh, under which supplemental nutrition assistance benefits allocated to the state by the federal government are distributed to eligible individuals by each county. Under existing state law, households are eligible to receive CalFresh benefits to the extent permitted by federal law. Existing federal law provides that students who are enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least one-half time are not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they meet one of several specified exemptions. Existing federal administrative guidance encourages institutions of higher education to use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data to aid in the administration of several federal benefits programs, including SNAP. This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to codify the federal administrative guidance encouraging institutions of higher education to use FAFSA data to inform students of eligibility for CalFresh. The bill would conform a definition of "half-time" student to the federal definition, for the purposes of determining CalFresh eligibility. This bill would require each campus of the California State University and each community college district to use FAFSA data to identify students who meet the income requirements of the CalFresh program. The bill would require each campus of the California State University and each community college district to email those students to inform them that they may qualify for the CalFresh program if they meet one of the exemptions for CalFresh student eligibility for pupils enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least one-half time, as provided. The bill would require the email notifications to encourage potentially eligible students to contact the local county welfare agency and to include contact information for the local county welfare agency and the designated campus staff who can assist the student in applying for the CalFresh program, as provided. By imposing new requirements on community college districts, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would encourage each campus of the University of California, each independent institution of higher education, and each private postsecondary educational institution to conduct the same email outreach, as provided. The bill would require FAFSA data to only be used to inform students of their potential CalFresh Program eligibility. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.