SB 456 Summary

• Amends 56 O.S. 2011, Section 185 to strengthen penalties and reporting requirements for public assistance fraud

• Misdemeanor penalties apply for fraudulently obtaining assistance of $500 or less (fine up to $500 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment); felony penalties for amounts exceeding $500 (fine up to $5,000 and/or up to 2 years imprisonment)

• Requires all county Department of Human Services offices to post conspicuous signs with information on reporting fraudulent public assistance acquisition or misuse, including the fraud hotline phone number and notification that reports may be filed anonymously

• Protects reporter confidentiality by prohibiting disclosure of a person's identity when reporting suspected public assistance fraud without their permission

• Effective date: November 1, 2013