(a) The department, in consultation with system stakeholders, including county welfare departments, shall examine the CalWORKs sanction policy, its implementation, and effect on work participation, including but not limited to all of the following:
(1) The characteristics of the persons being sanctioned.
(2) The reason participants are being sanctioned.
(3) The length of time in sanctioned status.
(4) Positive and negative sanction outcomes.
(5) County variances in sanction policies, rates, and outcomes.
(6) The relationship between sanction rates and work participation.
(7) The impact of sanctions on families and their ability to become self-sufficient.
(8) Adequacy of procedures to resolve noncompliance prior to the implementation of sanctions.
(b) The department shall develop recommendations to improve the effectiveness of sanctions in achieving participant compliance, assisting families in becoming self-sufficient, and other desired program outcomes.
(c) The department shall report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature by April 1, 2005.