18944. (Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 147, Sec. 43.5.)

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to appropriate funds in the Budget Act for the purpose of providing services under this chapter.

(b) This chapter shall become operative on:

(1) October 1, 1998, for those individuals who are eligible for aid under this chapter and are discontinued from the SSI/SSP program effective with their September 1998 benefits as a result of their immigration status under Title IV of Public Law 104-193 and any subsequent amendments thereto. Until the counties begin full operation the department shall cause a payment to each individual or couple to be issued through the Controller so that there is no interruption in these individual’s receipt of aid to which they are eligible under this chapter.

(2) November 1, 1998, for applicants for this program to have their applications accepted by county welfare departments, and establish a beginning date of aid. Counties shall have the ability to make eligibility determinations and cause the issuance of payments no later than December 1, 1998, unless the federal government has agreed to provide the services under this chapter at an earlier date.