House Bill No. [insert number] enacts R.S. 46:233.4, which establishes new eligibility requirements for public assistance programs in Louisiana. The bill mandates that state agencies or political subdivisions verify the citizenship or satisfactory immigration status of applicants for federal, state, or local public benefits. This verification process must be conducted in accordance with federal law, and agencies are required to make reasonable efforts to confirm the applicant's status. If an applicant is found to lack satisfactory immigration status or is not a U.S. citizen, the agency must refer their information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, provide monthly reports for voter list maintenance, and terminate any public benefits they may be receiving.

Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to report annually to key state officials on the outcomes of the citizenship verification process, including the number of individuals reported to immigration authorities and those whose benefits were terminated. The definition of public benefits is broad, encompassing various forms of assistance such as welfare, health, housing, and unemployment benefits. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that verification of citizenship or immigration status at the time of enrollment in public pension or retirement systems will satisfy the verification requirements outlined in the new section.