HB631 Summary

• Creates new crime of public assistance fraud applicable to all state or federally funded public assistance programs, making it unlawful to knowingly use false statements, misrepresentation, or fraudulent means to obtain or continue receiving benefits.

• Establishes penalties of Class C felony for fraud totaling $200 or more within any 12 consecutive months, and Class A misdemeanor for amounts less than $200.

• Expands prohibited conduct to include failing to disclose changed circumstances, using or transferring food assistance identification cards or medical authorization cards fraudulently, filing false claims for services, and misappropriating program funds or benefits.

• Amends Section 13A-8-10 (theft of services) by removing the requirement that a person knew services were available only for compensation, broadening the scope of prosecutable conduct.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.