House Bill 1213 - Public Assistance Benefits Summary

• Requires electronic benefit cards for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) and food stamp recipients to display a photograph that must be verified by retailers before accepting the card for use.

• Establishes drug testing requirements for TANF applicants and recipients, with ineligibility for three years if they test positive for unprescribed controlled substances, unless they complete an approved substance abuse treatment program.

• Creates a new ineligibility provision for TANF recipients who make cash withdrawals at casinos or gambling establishments, with a three-year benefit suspension following an administrative hearing.

• Modifies work requirements for TANF recipients age 16 and over (except those under 19 enrolled in high school) to participate in work activities under federal regulations, with exemptions for those ill, incapacitated, or unable to access programs.

• Adds permanent loss of eligibility for individuals who commit fraud in obtaining public assistance benefits, and requires the department to investigate fraud reports within 15 days and conclude investigations within 60 days absent good cause.

• Requires TANF applicants and recipients with dependent school-age children to provide proof of regular school enrollment and attendance, and establishes a welfare-to-work program requiring minimum job contact quotas per week.