The proposed bill establishes a three-year pilot program called the Actionable Help and New Dignity for Upward Progression (A HAND UP) Act, aimed at assisting individuals transitioning from public assistance benefits to the workforce. The Department of Job and Family Services will select four counties—one metropolitan, one midsize, and two rural (including one in the Appalachian region)—to implement the program. Key components of the program include establishing eligibility criteria, providing stipends for health care and child care, offering employer subsidies, and creating a mentorship program. Additionally, a digital application will be developed to support participants by calculating income, connecting them with resources, and providing educational materials.

The bill also mandates the Department to conduct a study on participants after they complete the program to assess their employment status, compensation, and reliance on public assistance. Annual reports detailing the program's outcomes will be submitted to the General Assembly, starting one year after the program's initiation. The bill appropriates $10 million from the General Revenue Fund for the program's support in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, ensuring that funds are available for its operation and evaluation.