AK HB68

Requires custodial and noncustodial parents of children under 18 to cooperate with the child support services agency to participate in the food stamp program, with exceptions for good cause including domestic violence situations or when cooperation is not in the child's best interest.

Disqualifies noncustodial parents with past due child support obligations from food stamp program participation until they have an approved payment schedule and demonstrate substantial compliance, unless good cause for nonpayment is established.

Adds duties to the child support services agency to determine whether food stamp applicants and participants are cooperating in good faith and to provide procedures for reconsideration of non-cooperation determinations.

Requires the Department of Health and Social Services to notify food stamp applicants and participants of cooperation requirements and good cause exceptions at application and reapplication, and to refer appropriate applicants to the child support services agency.

Disqualification applies only to the individual parent, not the entire household, and individuals can regain eligibility when the agency determines they are cooperating in good faith.