AB 1996 (Bonta): Advancing the No More Child Poverty Act in California
We are proud to share that AB 1996 (Bonta), the No More Child Poverty Act, has officially passed the Assembly Human Services Committee on consent with unanimous support. This milestone reflects strong momentum behind California’s commitment to ensuring that no child grows up in poverty. Celebrate with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter(X), Facebook, and BlueSky.
At its core, AB 1996 reinforces California’s “north star” goal: ending child poverty across the state. At a time when economic uncertainty and federal policy decisions threaten to push more families into hardship, this bill represents a critical step forward in maintaining California’s moral compass and continuing investments in children and families.
Building on a Legacy of Progress
End Child Poverty California, powered by GRACE, was created in response to the 2017 Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Act (AB 1520). That legislation established a task force which identified 43 evidence-based recommendations to reduce and ultimately eliminate deep child poverty.
Since then, California has made remarkable progress—achieving full or partial implementation of 41 out of 43 recommendations. These accomplishments include:
- First-in-the-nation universal school meals and leading implementation of SUN Bucks to combat year-round child hunger
- Transformational, family-centered reforms to CalWORKs
- Investments in Promise Neighborhoods to support community-based solutions
- Major strides toward universal childcare and fair provider compensation
- Creation of the Young Child and Foster Youth Tax Credits, expanded to ITIN filers
- Launch of HOPE Accounts, the nation’s largest Baby Bonds program
- First-in-the-nation state-funded guaranteed income programs
- Expanded access to healthcare and food assistance
- Nation-leading wage increases in key sectors to create pathways out of poverty
These efforts have resulted in billions of dollars invested in California’s children and families—and have proven effective in lifting children out of poverty.
Why AB 1996 Matters Now
California is at an inflection point. The anticipated impacts of H.R. 1 threaten to push millions more into poverty while deepening existing racial and economic disparities. In this moment, California has both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead.
AB 1996 builds on years of progress by calling for bold, sustained investments that will protect children and families from backsliding. It ensures that California continues advancing toward a more equitable future—one where every child has the resources they need to thrive.
A Call to Action
The progress we’ve made shows what’s possible when we center equity, dignity, and opportunity. But the work is not finished.
Now is the time to act.
Join us in supporting AB 1996 (Bonta) and help ensure California stays on track to end child poverty—for good. Sign up for our email list and follow us on social media @endchildpovca.
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