The bill amends sections 5107.05, 5107.10, and 5107.20 of the Revised Code to enhance the Ohio Works First program, particularly regarding the management and distribution of support payments. Key insertions include a definition of "support" to encompass child and spousal support, and the establishment of a process for the collection and distribution of support payments owed to participants. The bill specifies that support payments collected will be allocated to the assistance group, with a maximum of $100 for one minor child or $200 for two or more minor children, while the remaining funds will be used for cash assistance payments under the program. Additionally, the amount of support received will not be counted as income when determining eligibility for assistance.

The bill also introduces new rules for the Department of Job and Family Services to ensure compliance with federal regulations and state law, particularly regarding income definitions and eligibility requirements. It emphasizes the need for rules to be consistent with section 5107.20 of the Revised Code, particularly in defining countable income and the treatment of gross earned and unearned income. The existing sections of the Revised Code that are being amended will be repealed, and the changes will take effect eighteen months after the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5107.05, 5107.10, 5107.20