MS HB1302

Requires administering agencies (Department of Human Services and Division of Medicaid) to consider combined incomes of all persons residing in the same household when determining eligibility for public assistance benefits, regardless of family relation.

Directs agencies to obtain and use income and residence information from the Department of Revenue based on state income tax returns and from other state agencies to verify household composition and income.

Establishes that income and residence information reported to state agencies on tax returns, applications, or other forms is presumed accurate, with the burden of proof on the applicant/recipient to dispute the information.

If multiple applicants in the same household seek benefits, divides the combined income of other household members by the number of applicants to determine each applicant's counted income.

Requires administering agencies to apply for federal waivers from the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement these provisions, effective July 1, 2012.