HB 2865 Summary

• Amends the independent living program for dependent youth ages 17 and older by increasing the minimum monthly amount provided for cost of care to $1,200 (previously capped at average of prior three months of services).

• Establishes a developmental disabilities group home monitoring pilot program for three years, contracting with the state's protection and advocacy entity to monitor group homes serving clients with complex needs and investigate quality of care complaints.

• Requires the Department of Economic Security to submit annual reports beginning January 1, 2024 on group home incident reports, contracts, expenditures, and Medicaid fraud investigations to legislative committees and other state entities.

• Requires the designated pilot program entity to report by December 31, 2025 to the governor and legislature on observations, outcomes, systemic issues, and recommendations regarding services for persons with developmental disabilities who have complex needs.

• Implements drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits recipients during fiscal year 2022-2023, making those who test positive for unprescribed controlled substances ineligible for one year.