San Francisco's Prop F Leads to 21 Benefit Revocations Amid Union Legal Challenge

San Francisco's Proposition F, a ballot measure requiring drug screening and treatment participation for certain cash welfare recipients, has resulted in 21 individuals losing their benefits during its initial six months of implementation. The policy, which commenced on January 1, 2025, also faces an ongoing legal challenge from SEIU Local 1021, the city's largest union, which alleges the city bypassed collective bargaining before its passage. The measure, approved by San Francisco voters in March 2024, aims to address the city's persistent drug crisis by incentivizing treatment.

The initiative, championed by Mayor London Breed, garnered approximately 58% of the vote, signaling a public demand for increased accountability in tackling substance abuse. "This is why San Francisco passed Prop F which requires you pass a UA for hard drugs before receiving cash benefits," stated "stated "We Heart Seattle" on social media, reflecting proponents' views that the measure links public assistance to efforts toward sobriety. Proposition F targets single adults under 65 without dependents who receive monthly payments from the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP), which can provide up to $712.

Under the new policy, individuals suspected of drug use are referred to Positive Directions Equals Changes, a non-profit, for assessment and intervention. If illegal drug use is confirmed, recipients must engage in a substance-use treatment or intervention program to retain their benefits. Cash benefits are discontinued after three instances of non-compliance with treatment requirements.

During the first half of 2025, 154 CAAP recipients received treatment plans, with 101 actively engaging in various interventions. However, 21 individuals had their cash assistance revoked due to failure to comply with the program's mandates. Critics, including housing advocates, have expressed concerns that these revocations could worsen homelessness, though early data indicates some who lost benefits were already unhoused or did not seek rental assistance.

The implementation has drawn controversy, particularly concerning the $1.6 million contract awarded to Positive Directions Equals Changes. Opponents, such as housing organizer Sara Shortt, questioned the contracting process, noting the non-profit's co-founders were on the Prop F steering committee and vocal supporters. Additionally, SEIU Local 1021 filed an unfair practice charge with the California Public Employment Relations Board on March 7, 2024, contending the city violated labor laws by not negotiating with the union before placing the measure on the ballot. The union argues that Prop F places an unfunded burden on already short-staffed Human Services Agency workers and could potentially be voided by the legal challenge.