Senator Schaffer's bill seeks to amend the Revised Code concerning public assistance benefits, particularly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related services. It introduces new definitions for "public assistance benefits," which now include SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), cash assistance through the Ohio Works First program, Medicaid, and publicly funded childcare. The bill mandates the Department of Job and Family Services to enhance eligibility determination systems, provide caseworker training, and implement measures for tracking application information to ensure timely processing of benefits. Additionally, it requires monitoring of SNAP account balances, allows individuals with felony convictions to regain eligibility after a specified period, and permits contracting with third-party vendors to improve customer service.

The legislation also emphasizes transparency and oversight by requiring the Director of Job and Family Services to submit waivers or state plan amendments to legislative leaders and committees. It mandates comprehensive training for employees using the "Ohio benefits" online application portal to ensure accurate data collection and eligibility determination. The bill calls for quarterly reports on public assistance programs, detailing metrics such as transactions, errors, and fraud, and it requires the rescission of existing waivers related to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Furthermore, it prioritizes employment as a means of fulfilling work requirements and tasks the Department with developing a strategic plan to enhance employment among public assistance recipients, with a report due to the General Assembly by July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5101.54, 5101.542, 5101.84, 5101.98