The bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 39-709 to empower the Secretary for Children and Families to seek a waiver from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to restrict the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of benefits. It also introduces stricter regulations on the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance, prohibiting purchases of items like alcohol and tobacco, and mandates the inclusion of a photograph on benefits cards for identification purposes. The bill emphasizes compliance with work programs and child support services, detailing penalties for non-compliance and fraud, thereby enhancing accountability within assistance programs.

Additionally, the bill establishes new eligibility criteria for public assistance, including drug screening for cash assistance applicants and recipients, with specific procedures and consequences for positive tests. It allows parents or guardians to designate individuals to receive cash assistance, contingent upon approval and drug screening based on reasonable suspicion. The bill also imposes strict eligibility restrictions for individuals with felony drug convictions, ensuring confidentiality of drug screening results while granting the Secretary the authority to create necessary regulations. Overall, the bill aims to streamline assistance programs and enforce accountability, while repealing K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 39-709 to reflect these changes.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 39-709, 21-5701
As Amended by Senate Committee: 39-709, 21-5701
Enrolled: 39-709, 21-5701