HB 952 Summary

• Establishes enhanced eligibility verification system requiring Department of Human Services and Division of Medicaid to verify applicant income, assets, and identity against federal databases and public records on quarterly basis before awarding benefits.

• Implements real-time identity authentication process requiring applicants to complete computerized knowledge-based quiz to confirm identity ownership before benefits are distributed.

• Reduces TANF lifetime benefit limit from 60 months to 12 months effective July 1, 2016, and institutes escalating sanctions for work requirement noncompliance (3-month full household sanction first offense, permanent disqualification second offense).

• Restricts SNAP and TANF benefit usage by prohibiting purchases of alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, entertainment, and restricts spending at liquor stores, casinos, adult entertainment establishments, and similar locations.

• Requires quarterly reporting to legislature on eligibility verification system effectiveness including case closures, fraud referrals, improper payment recovery, and cost savings generated.