HB1628 Summary

• Requires applicants for medical assistance and SNAP benefits to pass an initial drug screening, with exemptions for dependent children under 18, persons with children in their assistance unit, persons with disabilities, seniors 65+, and nursing home residents.

• Mandates random drug screenings for continued eligibility for medical assistance and SNAP benefits, with recipients testing positive facing immediate termination and referral to substance abuse treatment.

• Requires Department of Human Services to adopt rules requiring TANF and SNAP applicants to actively seek work consistent with unemployment insurance requirements, and to allow gradual benefit reduction as earnings increase.

• Establishes photo identification requirement for using EBT/LINK cards to obtain SNAP benefits or cash, with cards issued after the effective date listing all authorized household members.

• Increases criminal penalties for unauthorized use of another person's EBT or LINK card from Class 4 felony to Class 3 felony, and escalates fraud penalties across all violation amounts; prohibits TANF recipients from using benefits to purchase lottery tickets or gamble at casinos or video gaming establishments.