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From Fox News: A bill that would decriminalize welfare fraud under $25,000 in California for simple administrative errors is being pushed by a Democratic lawmaker.
State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas introduced Senate Bill 560, which would delete criminal penalties for welfare fraud below $25,000, and delete a provision for criminal penalties for any attempt at welfare fraud below $950, according to the legislation, which was introduced in February.
“California’s safety net should lift families up, not trap them in poverty,” Smallwood-Cuevas told Fox News Digital. “Right now, a missed deadline or paperwork mistake can lead to felony charges that tear families apart — even when there’s no intent to deceive.”
The lawmaker said the bill “offers a smarter, more humane approach by allowing counties to resolve most overpayment cases administratively, holding people accountable without criminalizing poverty.”
A hearing is scheduled for May 5 to consider the legislation, which would prohibit a person from being criminally prosecuted if they received benefits as a result of an error in the Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS), such as for an overpayment or overissuance of benefits.
Fox News reporter Bill Melugin, who lives in the Los Angeles area, announced:
California Democrat state senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas has introduced SB560, a bill that would decriminalize welfare fraud below an amount of $25,000. It would also prohibit prosecutions for attempted welfare fraud and would prohibit someone from being charged w/ perjury if they are subject to prosecution for welfare fraud.
Smallwood-Cuevas represents a large chunk of Los Angeles County, including Mar Vista, West LA, Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, Century City, Playa Vista, and part of downtown LA.
NEW: California Democrat state senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas has introduced SB560, a bill that would decriminalize welfare fraud below an amount of $25,000. It would also prohibit prosecutions for attempted welfare fraud and would prohibit someone from being charged w/ perjury if… pic.twitter.com/nYnyfQm0vV
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) April 28, 2025
In February, the far-left California Environmental Voters group announced, “EnviroVoters proudly honors Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas as our 2024 “Climate Justice Queen” on our California Environmental Scorecard 💚🤩.”
EnviroVoters proudly honors Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas as our 2024 “Climate Justice Queen” on our California Environmental Scorecard 💚🤩
⁰ ✅: https://t.co/cfDDJ5Z8ls pic.twitter.com/WsUC9ooayl— California Environmental Voters (@envirovoters) February 5, 2025
READ MORE from Fox News.
California Dem lawmakers proposes bill to decriminalize welfare fraud below $25K over administrative errors https://t.co/MBGwsKL9LJ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 29, 2025
NEW: California State Senator introduces bill to eliminate criminal penalties for welfare fraud under $25,000 and attempted fraud under $950.
Decriminalize fraud? Who could have seen that coming? 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JCMD5eRG5L
— Walter Curt (@WCdispatch_) April 29, 2025
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