(

a) To calculate a family’s adjusted monthly income for purposes of determining income eligibility or calculating a family fee, the calculation shall be done by the use of an income calculation worksheet, and in accordance with subdivisions (

b) and (c). (

b) When a family’s income is regular and steady, the adjusted monthly income shall be determined by the use of an income calculation worksheet that specifies all of the following:

(1) The frequency of the pay periods.

(2) The gross amount of the payroll check stubs.

(3) All other sources of countable income to determine the adjusted monthly income, as defined in

Section of Title of the California Code of Regulations, as any of the following: (

A) Weekly for pay periods. (

B) Every two weeks for pay periods. (

C) Twice monthly for pay periods. (

D) Monthly for pay periods. (

c) When a family experiences income fluctuation, as defined in

Section of Title of the California Code of Regulations, a family may choose to provide up to the preceding months of income information as necessary for purposes of determining income eligibility or calculating a family fee. The adjusted monthly income shall be determined by averaging the total countable income from at least two months, as applicable based on the income provided, to determine average adjusted monthly income for purposes of determining income eligibility or calculating a family fee. (

d) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with

Section 11340) of Part of Division of Title of the Government Code), the department may implement and administer this

section by all-county letters, bulletins, or similar written instructions until regulations are adopted. The department shall adopt regulations implementing this

section no later than July 1, 2026. (

e) This

section shall become operative on January 1, 2024.