Welfare and Institutions Code section 18501

As a condition to the grant or continuance of relief, the county may require the recipient to perform work provided by the county. Such work shall not be or replace work which otherwise would be undertaken through private or public employment. All persons performing such work shall be paid the prevailing wage scale for work of a similar character performed in the county.

No state funds shall be used for material or supplies, or for nonrelief employment, on work programs.