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 eligibility requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), including work participation mandates, penalties for non-compliance, and conditions for disqualification from food assistance. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of TANF cash assistance for certain items like alcohol and tobacco, and it enhances monitoring for potential fraud by allowing the inclusion of recipient photographs on benefits cards.

Moreover, the bill establishes rigorous work requirements for able-bodied adults aged 18 to 49 receiving food assistance, limiting their benefits to three months within a 36-month period unless they meet specific work criteria. It also outlines eligibility criteria for child care subsidies, including employment status of cohabiting partners and exemptions for certain adults. The bill introduces a drug screening program for cash assistance applicants and recipients, with strict consequences for positive tests, and it sets permanent ineligibility for cash assistance for individuals with felony drug convictions after July 1, 2013, unless it is their first conviction. Overall, the bill aims to tighten eligibility and compliance measures across various assistance programs while enhancing fraud prevention efforts.

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