House Bill No. by Representative Henry enacts R.S. 46:233.4, which establishes new requirements for verifying the citizenship status of applicants for public assistance programs in Louisiana. The bill mandates that state agencies or political subdivisions must confirm that applicants are either U.S. citizens or possess satisfactory immigration status as defined by federal law. It outlines the procedures for verification, including making reasonable efforts to ascertain an applicant's status and the actions to be taken if an applicant is found to lack proper citizenship or immigration status, such as referring their information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and terminating their public benefits.

Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to compile and report data on citizenship verification efforts to various state officials at the end of each fiscal year. This report must include the number of individuals reported to immigration authorities and those whose public assistance was terminated. The definition of public benefits is broadened to encompass a wide range of assistance programs, including welfare, health, and food assistance. The bill also specifies 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.