Senate Bill 14-014 Summary

• Increases maximum grant amounts for property tax and rent assistance, effective January 1, 2014: individuals up to $700 (from $600) and spouses up to $700 (from $600), with income thresholds adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 1, 2015.

• Expands eligibility by excluding payments from special needs trusts from income calculations and allowing Department of Revenue to waive reimbursement of erroneous grant payments due to departmental error.

• Requires Department of Human Services to conduct targeted outreach to state benefit program participants, incorporate outreach into existing media campaigns, and collaborate with county departments and community-based organizations to improve program participation.

• Directs Department of Human Services to report biannually (starting July 1, 2015) to legislature on outreach activities, participation rates by demographic groups, and recommendations for statutory improvements.

• Appropriates $2.6 million in general fund support for fiscal year 2014-15 to implement the act, including grant payments, staffing, technology updates, and administrative costs across Department of Revenue and Department of Human Services.