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AB 376 (López)
CalWORKs Immunization Verification
PROBLEM
BILL SUMMARY
AB 376 requires CalWORKs applicant(s) or
recipient(s) to provide immunization records
only if the county obtains a report from the
California Immunization Registry and is unable to verify that the immunizations have
been performed.
BACKGROUND
In 1998 California passed legislation requiring
every CalWORKs family with a child under the
age of 6 to provide proof of immunization
within 30 days of receiving CalWORKs
benefits.
Failure to provide proof of immunization
records results in a reduction of benefits, which
consequently drops aid for a family of two from
$515 a month to $300 a month. This action
imposes an extra burden on families who are
already experiencing financial hardship.
Reasons for not providing records may include,
but are not limited to: a lack of transportation;
family issues preventing them from visiting or
contacting the child’s physician within the 30
day period; an inability to get an appointment
with the welfare office to submit required
documents; and/or documents may have been
lost/stolen due to brief homelessness or a long
distance move.
Meanwhile, the documentary evidence is sitting
in the California Immunization Registry of the
California Department of Public Health.
Current state law does not require county welfare
offices to check the California Immunization Registry prior to requesting immunization records.
This oversight results in unnecessary and unjust actions against CalWORKs families that are already
living on a fixed income equal to 31% of the federal
poverty level and 21% of the supplemental poverty
level.
SOLUTION
Require county welfare offices to review the
State Immunization Registry before requesting
verification from the applicant(s) or recipient(s)
of CalWORKs and imposing a reduction of
benefits.
FISCAL IMPACT
This bill would result in administrative savings by
simplifying and streamlining the verification process.
CONTACT
Kristi Lopez, Legislative Director
916-319-2039
kristi.lopez@asm.ca.gov
SPONSOR
Coalition of California Welfare Rights
Organizations, Inc. (CCWRO)
Additionally, county welfare departments have
the opportunity register to with the California
Immunization Registry to verify immunizations
records.
Office of Assemblywoman Patty López