HB576 Summary

• Prohibits fraudulent conduct in obtaining public assistance from any state or federally funded public assistance program, including false statements, misrepresentation, failure to disclose changes in circumstances, and unauthorized use of assistance identification cards.

• Establishes criminal penalties: Class C felony for violations involving $200 or more in aggregate value, and Class A misdemeanor for violations under $200; three or more violations create a rebuttable presumption of knowing violation.

• Provides for forfeiture of all funds, proceeds, or property obtained through or used in committing public assistance fraud, with forfeiture proceedings conducted as civil actions under existing Alabama law.

• Authorizes the Department of Revenue to intercept state income tax refunds of individuals owing debts to public housing authorities and amends Section 40-18-100 to add housing authorities as claimant agencies.

• Requires state agencies administering public assistance to create fraud-prone case profiles and conduct pre-eligibility fraud screening for applications in food assistance, Medicaid, temporary cash assistance, and public housing programs.