(a) Notwithstanding any other law, to respond to the state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor on January 17, 2014, the department shall, directly or through contracts, make the Office of Migrant Services centers available for rent by persons or families experiencing economic hardships or rendered homeless or at risk of becoming homeless as a result of the drought. This may include, but is not limited to, extending the period of occupancy prior to or beyond the standard 180-day period and redefining persons and families eligible to occupy the centers. To the extent feasible, the department shall give preference to persons and families that meet existing program criteria.
(b) The department may adopt program guidelines to implement this section. Any rule, policy, or standard of general application employed by the department in implementing the provisions of this section shall not be subject to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).