NC H1173

Courts may suspend public assistance benefits for probationers who abscond or willfully avoid arrest after a warrant is issued for probation violation.

Suspension applies to unemployment benefits, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance, food and nutrition benefits, and other state or federal financial assistance programs.

Benefits suspension continues until the probationer surrenders to or is brought under court jurisdiction.

Family members of the probation violator remain eligible for public assistance benefits and are not affected by the suspension.

Effective date for benefit suspension provisions is October 1, 2012; state agencies must adopt rules to assist law enforcement in enforcing the act.