CALIFORNIA LAW TRACKER
California foster care laws
Every California law and bill we track for foster youth and former foster youth. Only laws marked "Signed" are real rights today — always check the official link.
- SIGNED INTO LAWAB 2768
College Fee Deferment for Foster Youth (New Law AB 2768)
Takes effect July 1, 2027
Signed August 30, 2026
Sponsored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens
A new California law (AB 2768, signed in 2026) requires colleges and universities to let foster youth defer enrollment costs — tuition, housing, food and educational materials — until after their financial aid arrives, so they can start classes on time even when aid is disbursed late. The new policies take effect starting with the 2027-28 academic year.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWAB 2765
CalFresh Protections for Foster and Former Foster Youth (New Law AB 2765)
Takes effect January 1, 2027
Signed September 18, 2026
Sponsored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens
A new California law (AB 2765, signed September 18, 2026) improves how counties identify and verify CalFresh work-rule exemptions for current and former foster youth, including certain youth with documented physical or behavioral health conditions. It also improves automated recognition of qualifying Extended Foster Care participants, so eligible youth are less likely to lose food benefits over paperwork. IMPORTANT: regular CalFresh eligibility requirements still apply — this law does not guarantee CalFresh benefits to every former foster youth. Apply through your county social services office or BenefitsCal.com.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWAB 2766
College Housing Rights for Current and Former Foster Youth (New Law AB 2766)
Takes effect January 1, 2027
Signed September 14, 2026
Sponsored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens
A new California law (AB 2766, signed September 14, 2026) strengthens college housing rights for current and former foster youth. Eligible current and former foster youth at California public colleges receive priority for campus housing, including available year-round housing and housing during school breaks. CSU and California Community College campuses with student housing must waive or delay initial housing fees and deposits until your financial aid is disbursed, and cannot cancel your housing because those costs were not prepaid. Costs may still be owed later once your aid arrives. To be eligible, you must submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application. Foster youth over age 25 who participate in NextUp at a community college can also qualify for priority enrollment.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWSB 1051
Faster Child Care for Foster Children (New Law SB 1051)
Takes effect January 1, 2027
Signed September 30, 2026
Sponsored by Senator Caroline Menjivar
A new California law signed on September 30, 2026 makes it faster for foster children to get child care through the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program. Child care navigators can now send a referral straight to the county welfare department, which must then decide the child's eligibility - cutting delays so child care is not a barrier to a safe, stable placement. The rules start January 1, 2027.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWSB 1345
Your Belongings Move With Dignity (New Law SB 1345)
Takes effect January 1, 2027
Signed September 20, 2026
Sponsored by Senator Aisha Wahab
A new California law signed on September 20, 2026 says your personal belongings must be moved in suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks or moving boxes when your placement changes - never trash bags. It also protects your reasonable access to your own clothing and personal items. The rules start January 1, 2027.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWAB 2162
Housing Help Extended to Age 28 (New Law AB 2162)
Takes effect January 1, 2027
Signed September 27, 2026
Sponsored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan
A new California law (AB 2162, signed September 27, 2026) extends the Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program from age 24 up to age 28. This is the state program that helps current and former foster youth — including youth with federal housing vouchers — find, secure and keep housing through county child welfare agencies, with priority for nonminor dependents and young adults formerly in foster care or probation. Services depend on the state continuing to fund the program in the annual budget. Ask your county child welfare agency about housing navigation help once the law takes effect.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWAB 2764
Equal Extended Foster Care Rules Statewide (New Law AB 2764)
Takes effect January 1, 2027
Signed September 1, 2026
Sponsored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens
A new California law (AB 2764, signed in September 2026) creates uniform eligibility standards for extended foster care programs statewide. Counties can no longer add their own extra requirements — such as mandatory volunteer hours or work hours beyond the state threshold — that could get 18- to 21-year-olds kicked out of extended foster care housing programs. Where you live in California no longer changes the basic rules of the program.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWAB 896
Your Right to Help Plan Placement Moves (New Law AB 896)
Takes effect January 1, 2026
Sponsored by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary
California's AB 896 (effective January 1, 2026) requires every county child welfare agency to have a written placement transition policy and to give you a real chance to weigh in before a placement move that cannot be avoided — including timing, who you stay in touch with, and what happens to your belongings. This is now part of the California Foster Youth Bill of Rights. Ask your social worker for your county's transition planning policy; if your rights are ignored, contact the CDSS Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWAB 243
Easier Financial Aid as an Independent Student (New Law AB 243)
Takes effect January 1, 2026
Signed October 11, 2025
Sponsored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens
California's AB 243 (effective January 1, 2026) makes it easier for current and former foster youth and juvenile-justice-involved youth to be treated as independent students for financial aid, which usually means more aid. A county child welfare worker, probation officer or school liaison can attest to your status so you do not have to dig up confidential court records. Still file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and check the foster youth box, then ask your caseworker or liaison for the attestation letter for your campus financial aid office.
READ THE LAW - SIGNED INTO LAWAB 349
Higher Payments for Parenting Foster Youth (New Law AB 349)
Takes effect January 1, 2026
Sponsored by Assemblymember Diane Dixon
California's AB 349 (effective January 1, 2026) raises the infant supplement payment for foster youth who are parents and live with their own child in a foster care, Kin-GAP or approved relative caregiver placement, and requires the amount to adjust each year with the California Necessities Index instead of staying flat. The payment goes to the caregiver or provider automatically through the county — no new application — but you can ask your county social worker to confirm the updated rate.
READ THE LAW
General information, not legal advice. Questions or corrections? Email policy@helpfosteryouth.org.