The proposed bill would amend the definitions and eligibility criteria for "child only cases" in Arizona's welfare statutes. It introduces new language that clarifies that a "child only case" can refer to a child in the legal custody of the Department of Child Safety, a tribal court, or a tribal child welfare agency, placed in foster care with an unrelated adult or a nonparent relative not receiving cash assistance. Additionally, it specifies that a child living with a nonparent relative who is responsible for their basic needs and not receiving cash assistance also qualifies.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the eligibility and benefit determination process for child only cases by removing the previous language and inserting that only the income of the dependent child will be considered for eligibility. It also states that the benefit amount will be based on available funds as determined by the department, streamlining the criteria for assessing benefits for these cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 46-101, 46-292, 104-193, 8-872