Assembly committee advances bill to protect CalWORKs benefits when family members are detained by immigration authorities

AB 1655, presented to the Assembly Human Services Committee by the bill's author, would clarify that unlawful immigration detention be treated as a temporary absence for CalWORKs eligibility and stop counties from reducing or terminating aid when a child or family member is taken into federal custody.

The bill's author, Assemblymember Isaac Bridal, said the measure is aimed at keeping children's basic needs covered when families are torn apart by detention and gave the example of out‑of‑state transfers that can leave families unable to reach or support a detained relative. "When families have their children kidnapped by ICE and shipped off to a detention facility miles and miles away, it is the most terrifying experience they could have," Bridal said.

Janice Travis delivered written testimony on behalf of a parent who declined to appear in person for security reasons and described the family trauma and administrative confusion when a relative is detained. "By the time we understood where he was, he had already been transferred to the Adelanto detention facility," Travis said, urging lawmakers to consider the human impact when benefits are at stake. Edgar Guerra of SEIU California, a cosponsor, told the committee county eligibility workers often face families in crisis and that the bill "gives counties clear direction and allows workers to do their jobs in a way that protects children instead of pushing them deeper into poverty." Rebecca Gonzales of the Western Center on Law and Poverty also testified in support.

Why it matters: Under current practice, CalWORKs grants can be reduced if a household member is absent for more than 30 days because that person is no longer counted in the assistance unit; AB 1655 would ensure unlawful detention is treated like a hospital stay and therefore temporary. Supporters said that without the change, families risk eviction and food insecurity during prolonged detentions and that county staff should not be placed in the position of having to explain benefit loss to traumatized families.

Committee action and next steps: Committee members moved and seconded the item and the committee passed the measure as amended, sending AB 1655 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The committee record shows the measure was advanced with unanimous yes votes among present members and staff kept the file open for absent members to record votes later.

The committee did not receive any primary witnesses in opposition during the hearing. The bill will face policy and potentially fiscal review in the next committee(s) named on the record before any floor consideration.

Sources: Author remarks and supporting witness testimony presented to the Assembly Human Services Committee.