MO HB654

Beginning January 1, 2016, parents or caretakers seeking TANF benefits must engage in work activities before becoming eligible, unless exempt from work requirements

Non-compliance triggers a face-to-face meeting followed by a six-week compliance period; continued non-compliance results in a 50% benefit reduction for up to ten weeks, after which the case is closed if not cured

To cure a sanction or return to the program after being removed, recipients must complete at least 30 hours per week of work activities for one month

When a TANF recipient marries, the new spouse's income and assets are disregarded for six consecutive months (once-in-a-lifetime benefit per recipient)

Requires 2% of federal TANF block grant funds be set aside for alternatives to abortion services programs, and another 2% for healthy marriage promotion and responsible fatherhood activities