The bill aims to enhance support for individuals with work-limiting disabilities or incapacities by amending existing laws related to essential needs and housing support. Key changes include clarifying eligibility criteria for referrals to essential needs and housing support, specifically for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled, or who are pregnant. The bill introduces a 90-day duration standard for incapacity, updates income eligibility to not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level, and allows recipients of the pregnant women assistance program to access support for 24 consecutive months. Additionally, it specifies that the department must share client data with relevant entities to streamline support services.

Significant deletions from current law include the removal of previous income thresholds and the stipulation that recipients of aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits would incur a debt to the state if they later received federal supplemental security income for the same period. Instead, the bill establishes that, effective October 1, 2025, such federal benefits will not be considered a debt. The bill also expands the definition of good cause for individuals who may not participate in substance use treatment, ensuring that caregivers for minors or incapacitated individuals are not penalized for their inability to attend treatment due to childcare responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.04.655, 74.04.805, 74.62.005, 74.62.030
Substitute Bill: 74.04.655, 74.04.805, 74.62.005, 74.62.030
Engrossed Substitute: 74.04.805, 74.62.005, 74.62.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 74.04.805, 74.62.005, 74.62.030
Session Law: 74.04.805, 74.62.005, 74.62.030