H.R. 1 Community of Practice
A new federal law called H.R. 1 changed the rules for CalFresh and Medi-Cal. Some adults now have to spend at least 80 hours a month working, going to school, training for a job, or volunteering to keep their benefits. Some people do not have to meet this rule.
If you get CalFresh or Medi-Cal, this page explains what the change means for you and where to get free help. If you work for an organization that can offer jobs, training, or volunteer opportunities, this page explains how you can help your neighbors meet the requirement.
These changes are new for everyone, and the details are still taking shape. We will update this page as we learn more and as new resources become available, so check back often.
I receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal
What is H.R. 1? Do I Have Options?
H.R. 1 is a federal law signed on July 4, 2025, also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It creates new requirements that some adults must meet in order to qualify for or keep their CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits.
80 hours a month
Some adults must show at least 80 hours a month of work or community engagement, from any one activity or a combination of them.
The Workforce Development Board does not determine eligibility, apply the requirement, or grant exemptions. Please contact Solano County Health & Social Services.
How do I know if I am impacted?
You may be affected if you receive
CalFresh and are between 18 and 64,
or if you receive Medi-Cal based on
your income and are between 19 and 64.
Check with Health & Social Services for
the new eligibility requirements and
exemptions, and to find out for certain
whether this applies to you.
How the Workforce Development Board Can Help
Our services are free and you can start today. You do not have to be enrolled in a program, and you do not have to know what you want to do yet. Whether you need to find volunteer hours, get back to work, return to school, or simply understand what counts toward the requirement, we can help you figure out your next step and connect you with the programs that get you there.
WDB Welcome Sessions
A short overview of how H.R. 1 affects your benefits, what the requirement asks of you, and what you can do next, through us or on your own. You will leave with a workforce self-assessment, information on CalJOBS, and a summary of what is available at our job centers.
Meet & Greet Info Session
For people who are actively job searching. Learn how the WDB can help you get back to work, including free job search tools, career services, and paid training opportunities. Space is limited and seating is first come, first served. Please arrive early, as late arrivals are not admitted. Children cannot be accommodated.
WHAT WE CAN HELP YOU WITH
• Registering in CalJOBS
• Identify your skills and interests
• Find volunteer opportunities
• Resume and interview assistance
• Typing test and skill assessments
• Job Readiness Workshops
• School and training options
• Work experience and Job Training
Session Schedules & Locations
WDB WELCOME SESSIONS • OCTOBER 2026
Tuesday, October 6 · 10:30 – 11:30 am · Fairfield
Thursday, October 1 · 11:30 am – 12:30 pm · Vallejo
Thursday, October 15 – 9:00 am – 10:00 am · Vallejo
Tuesday, October 20 · 10:30 – 11:30 am · Fairfield
MEET & GREET • OCTOBER 2026
Thursday, October 1 · 9:00 am · Vallejo
Wednesday, October 21 · 1:00 pm · Fairfield
Our Locations
AJCC, 500 Chadbourne Road, Suite A, Fairfield, CA
AJCC, 1440 Marin Street, Vallejo CA
Do I Need to Attend an H&SS Session Too?
If you aren’t sure if the new laws apply to you and how your benefits are affected, Solano County Health & Social Services holds ABAWD & H.R. 1 Overview Sessions covering work requirements, how to keep your benefits, and community resources. This is a great place to start.
Every Wednesday, 11:15 – 11:45 am, through December 30, at the following locations:
275 Beck Ave, Conference Room 1, Fairfield
365 Tuolumne St, 2nd Floor Room 209, Vallejo
I'm a Community Partner
Community Partners: Get Involved
Why Your Organization Matters
More than 20% of Solano County residents receiving CalFresh or Medi-Cal will be affected by the new H.R. 1 requirements. Health & Social Services estimates that roughly 8,000 CalFresh recipients and 30,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries could be required to complete 80 hours a month of employment, job training, education, or community service to keep their benefits, unless they qualify for an exemption. Many are not job ready.
Paid employment and education cannot absorb everyone who needs qualifying hours. Organizations that can host volunteers, offer skills based projects, or create entry level work experience are in a position to keep thousands of their neighbors from losing food and health coverage.
You do not need a large or formal program to help. A single recurring shift, a one time project, or an occasional skills based task all produce hours that count towards a benefit recipient’s 80 hour requirement.
38,000
benefit recipients may be impacted
11,000
unemployed job seekers in our community
2,500
open job postings available in Solano County
15,000
college and adult school students
Build or expand a volunteer program
Register as a volunteer organization
List volunteer opportunities
⇒
Ready to list opportunities?
Solano Volunteers is the single place to list and find volunteer opportunities in Solano County, for organizations and for residents alike.
I'm an Employer
For Employers
Our Business Services Team is ready to help you connect with candidates working to meet the new H.R. 1 work requirement. Whether you have project based work, short term assignments, or positions to fill, our Business Services Consultants can talk through what fits your business. Subsidized employment opportunties including On-the-Job Training or work experience may be available to offset your costs.
Programs that can also help someone meet the requirement.
Hiring support Screened, job ready candidates at no cost.
On-the-Job Training We reimburse part of a new hire’s wages while they learn.
Work Experience A candidate gains hands-on experience at no cost to you.
Labor market information Local hiring data and wage trends for your industry.
Contact the Business Services Team
Candice Ward
cward@solanowdb.org
707-863-3551
or complete the form below
H.R. 1 Community Impact Collaboration Group
Join the H.R. 1 Community Impact Collaboration Group
A community of practice that brings Solano County stakeholders together to build awareness, solve problems, and develop a coordinated local response to H.R. 1.
Meetings cover implementation updates, emerging challenges, lessons learned from partners already hosting volunteers, and coordination across organizations. There is no cost and no commitment beyond attending.
Stay connected to what is happening across Solano County. Members of the H.R. 1 Community Impact Collaboration Group receive updates on implementation, our collective efforts, available resources, and invitations to upcoming meetings. Attending meetings is optional.
WHO PARTICIPATES
Workforce development
Education
Health and human services
Community based organizations
Faith based organizations
Employers
Local government
Join us for the next collaboration meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Registration is required.
Whether you’ve attended a previous meeting or joining us for the first time, we hope you’ll be part of the conversation. Your insights and experiences will help shape our collective understanding and response moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
If you receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal
- Am I impacted?
- What counts toward my hours?
- How do I report my hours?
- What if I cannot meet the hours?
- Where can I find volunteer opportunities?
- How do I get to a volunteer site without a car?
- What happens if I lose my benefits?
If you are a partner or employer
- Do we need background checks or screening?
- Who signs the form so a participant gets credit?
- Are we liable for volunteers?
- Can a faith based organization participate?
- Can someone volunteer inside their own organization?
- How do we list volunteer opportunities?
- Can offer paid work instead of volunteer opportunities?
