The bill amends K.S.A. 39-702 and K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 39-709, updating definitions and eligibility requirements for assistance programs managed by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). A significant change is the removal of the term "non-cooperation" from eligibility criteria, which previously indicated non-compliance with state and federal requirements. The bill also extends the lifetime limit for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance from 18 months to 42 months, with exceptions for hardship, and increases the eligibility period for TANF from 24 months to 36 months for families with an adult who has previously received TANF. Additionally, it introduces stricter work participation requirements, exemptions for single custodial parents of infants, and harsher penalties for fraud related to TANF and childcare programs.
Moreover, the bill revises food assistance eligibility by allowing individuals with certain felony convictions to regain eligibility through participation in drug treatment programs. It establishes work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving food assistance and clarifies that non-citizens without qualifying documentation will not count in household size for benefits. The bill also addresses medical assistance eligibility, including provisions for payments to nonlicensed individuals for home health care services and the assignment of rights to medical support to the state. It introduces a framework for drug screening applicants and recipients of cash assistance, ensuring that those testing positive must complete treatment and job skills programs. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of drug screening results and grants the secretary of DCF authority to adopt necessary regulations, while also repealing certain existing statutes related to these provisions.
Statutes affected: As introduced: 39-702, 39-709, 21-5701