SB105 Summary

• Creates new crime of public assistance fraud applicable to state and federally funded programs, making it unlawful to knowingly use false statements, misrepresentation, or fraudulent means to obtain public assistance or fail to disclose material facts or changes in circumstances.

• Establishes penalties: Class C felony for violations with aggregate value of $200 or more in any 12 consecutive months; Class A misdemeanor for violations under $200 in any 12 consecutive months.

• Prohibits fraudulent use, transfer, forgery, or possession of food assistance identification cards, Medicaid cards, and related benefits; includes electronic benefit transfer fraud and filing false claims for services.

• Amends theft of services statute (§13A-8-10) to remove requirement that person knew services were available only for compensation, making it easier to prosecute theft of services cases.

• Requires state agencies administering public assistance to create fraud-screening profiles and establish preeligibility fraud screening for applications; becomes effective three months after passage.