The bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 39-709, which governs eligibility for assistance programs funded by federal moneys in Kansas. It introduces provisions allowing the secretary for children and families to exempt one motor vehicle from resource calculations for applicants, while additional vehicles may be considered nonexempt unless primarily used for income generation. The bill also clarifies the definition of a "family group" for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and establishes work participation requirements for adults in TANF households. It outlines penalties for non-cooperation with TANF work programs and child support services, and imposes stricter regulations on food assistance for individuals with felony convictions related to controlled substances, while allowing eligibility for those in approved drug treatment programs.

Additionally, the bill mandates drug screening for cash assistance applicants and recipients, with consequences for positive tests, including potential termination of cash assistance and the appointment of a protective payee for minor children of ineligible parents. It establishes strict eligibility criteria for individuals with felony convictions related to controlled substances, making those convicted on or after July 1, 2013, permanently ineligible for cash assistance unless it is their first conviction. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of drug screening results and grants the secretary for children and families the authority to adopt necessary regulations for implementation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability among public assistance recipients and streamline the recovery of medical assistance costs.

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