title
Approve the Board of Supervisors’ response to the 2025/2026 Civil Grand Jury Report of June 23, 2026, entitled “Solano County’s Response to Theft of Health & Social Services Benefits”
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the Board of Supervisors’ response to the 2025/2026 Civil Grand Jury Report of June 23, 2026, entitled “Solano County’s Response to Theft of Health & Social Services Benefits.”
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On June 23, 2026, the Solano County Civil Grand Jury issued a report entitled "Solano County's Response to Theft of Health & Social Services Benefits." As part of its investigation, the Civil Grand Jury examined the role and effectiveness of the Solano County Health & Social Services Department (H&SS) in responding to the large-scale theft of public assistance benefits administered through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The investigation focused on the Department's efforts to investigate benefits theft, replace stolen benefits in a timely manner, educate clients on fraud prevention, and coordinate with state and federal partners to address this growing form of organized criminal activity.
Civil Grand Jury members conducted an in-depth review of H&SS policies, procedures, and operational practices related to EBT benefit theft, including the Department's Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), case tracking and reporting methods, reimbursement processing timelines, public outreach efforts, and collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The investigation also examined the causes of EBT skimming, the impact on vulnerable residents receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Assistance benefits, and the measures implemented to reduce future theft.
After its review, the Civil Grand Jury found that the implementation of chip-enabled EBT cards has significantly reduced skimming activity throughout California and within Solano County, resulting in a substantial decline in reported thefts. The report also found that H&SS has implemented effective processes to investigate theft, process benefit replacement claims within required timeframes, and improve customer service through streamlined procedures and enhanced public education efforts.
In conclusion, the Civil Grand Jury recognized the Department's efforts to respond to the unprecedented increase in EBT skimming while noting that continued vigilance remains necessary as criminal organizations adapt to evolving security measures. The report recommends that H&SS continue monitoring fraud trends, strengthen collaboration with state and federal partners, refine data reporting methodologies, improve customer service processes, maintain timely reimbursement practices, and continue educating clients on strategies to protect their benefits from theft.
The Civil Grand Jury report contains five (5) findings and seven (7) corresponding recommendations. The report identifies the Solano County Board of Supervisors as the responding agency. The Board of Supervisors' proposed response is set forth in Attachment A - Response to the Grand Jury Report of June 23, 2026: "Solano County's Response to Theft of Health & Social Services Benefits." Copies of Grand Jury reports are available upon request from the Clerk of the Board or may be viewed on the Civil Grand Jury section of the Solano County Superior Court website.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of preparing this report is nominal and is included in the County Administrator’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose to disagree with the recommended responses and direct staff to prepare a different or more elaborate response to the Civil Grand Jury.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Health and Social Services Department provided input to the County Administrator's Office in developing portions of the Board of Supervisors' response to the Civil Grand Jury report.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION