House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes a comprehensive reorganization of family and support programs in Louisiana by transferring responsibilities from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to the newly renamed Louisiana Works. This bill aims to enhance the integration of workforce development and public assistance programs, making Louisiana Works the primary agency for administering services such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Key provisions include the establishment of a Public Assistance Fraud Hot-Line, a Fraud Detection Fund, and integrated case management systems to streamline service delivery. The bill also introduces new definitions and emphasizes a coordinated approach to delivering social services and workforce training.

Additionally, the bill includes significant amendments to existing laws, replacing references to DCFS with Louisiana Works and outlining the responsibilities of the new agency. It mandates the development of a comprehensive statewide workforce and social services plan, establishes penalties for fraudulent activities, and introduces a Kinship Care Subsidy Program to support eligible caregivers. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of education and employment in reducing dependency on public assistance, with provisions for job training and vocational education for SNAP recipients. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public assistance programs in Louisiana, ensuring better access to benefits for those in need while promoting self-sufficiency.

Statutes affected:
HB624 Original: 11:780(C)(3), 14:1(A), 14:74(D)(2), 17:1(B)(1), 17:6(A), 17:3914(M)(1), 23:6, 23:73(A)(1), 23:75(A), 23:76(A), 23:78, 23:1600(2), 23:1693(I)(1), 23:73(E)(2), 36:3(3), 36:4(A), 36:308(A), 46:56(A), 46:107(A)(1), 46:4(A), 46:352(1), 46:932(12), 49:191(1), 49:1402(1)