This bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 39-709 to allow individuals with felony drug convictions to receive assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by removing the disqualification for food assistance for those convicted of felony offenses related to controlled substances occurring on or after July 1, 2015. The new language specifies that a person shall not be denied food assistance solely due to a drug-related felony conviction, thereby expanding eligibility for individuals previously barred from receiving such benefits. Additionally, the bill mandates the Kansas Department for Children and Families to submit necessary approval requests to the federal government to implement these changes while maintaining existing restrictions on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance and establishing guidelines for the issuance of Kansas benefits cards.

The legislation also introduces significant changes to the eligibility and administration of various assistance programs, including child care subsidies and medical assistance. It requires the Secretary for Children and Families to adopt rules for determining eligibility for child care subsidies, which now consider the income of cohabiting partners and impose work requirements on all adults in a household. The bill further restricts the use of federal and state funds for promoting food assistance benefits, limits income and resource standards for food assistance to those specified by federal law, and establishes a drug screening program for cash assistance applicants. Individuals testing positive for unlawful substance use may face penalties, including termination of cash assistance, while provisions are made for the assignment of support rights for children in custody of the Secretary for Children and Families.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 39-709, 21-5701