AZ HB2266

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 46-294 to increase the cash assistance lifetime limit from 12 months to 24 months for heads of household, spouses of heads of household, and ineligible parents receiving assistance on behalf of dependent children.

Changes the cash assistance termination requirement from July 1, 2016 to September 1, 2017, applying the new 24-month limit to families that have received 24 or more months of assistance.

Applies the time limit retroactively to cash assistance received on or after October 1, 2002, regardless of whether months are consecutive or the program funding source.

Maintains exemptions from the time limit for child-only cases and assistance units meeting specified criteria, including those on Indian reservations with adult unemployment exceeding 50 percent.

Preserves hardship exceptions allowing continued assistance beyond the 24-month limit in cases of demonstrated hardship.