Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2032

Introduced
1/13/23  
Refer
1/13/23  

Caption

Allowing persons with felony drug convictions to receive benefits under the food assistance program.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend existing statutes, particularly K.S.A. 2022 Supp. 39-709, to create more lenient conditions under which individuals with felony drug convictions can receive food assistance. Currently, individuals convicted of drug-related felonies face lifetime disqualification from such benefits unless they meet specific criteria. HB2032 reshapes this framework by introducing conditional eligibility based on the completion of rehabilitation programs, which may mitigate the long-term impacts of felon disenfranchisement in the state. The bill reflects an evolving understanding of the importance of support systems in fostering successful societal reintegration and combating poverty.

Summary

House Bill 2032 proposes significant changes to the eligibility for food assistance in Kansas by affecting individuals with felony drug convictions. Specifically, it allows individuals who have previously been disqualified from receiving cash assistance due to felony drug convictions to regain eligibility after completing specific requirements. The bill aims to address the barriers that these individuals face in accessing food assistance programs, thereby promoting their reintegration into society. This change is anticipated to benefit many individuals who are striving to rebuild their lives following drug convictions, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families more effectively.

Contention

Notably, there are concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the proposed changes. Critics argue that while the intent of the bill is commendable, the practical hurdles associated with fulfilling the new eligibility requirements—such as access to rehabilitation programs—could diminish its effectiveness. Additionally, there is apprehension that the bill may inadvertently encourage substance use relapse or fail to address the underlying issues that lead to addiction and criminal behavior. The discussions surrounding HB2032 highlight a broader debate about social welfare policies, public funding, and the role of government in supporting vulnerable populations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2178

Allowing persons with felony drug convictions to receive benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

KS SB158

Allowing persons with felony drug convictions to receive benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

KS HB2358

Requiring able-bodied adults and work registrants without dependents under six years of age to participate in an employment training program as a condition of receiving food assistance.

KS HB2287

Eliminating certain restrictions for eligibility for public assistance, including removing the requirement to cooperate with child support services, restrictions on persons convicted of drug felonies, requirements for employment and training programs, photograph requirements for benefits cards and legislative action required for expansion of medical assistance, permitting the secretary from granting categorical eligibility standards, extending the lifetime limitation on benefits, providing for hardship extensions and exempting parents providing care for a child less than one year of age.

KS S2886

Revises eligibility for convicted drug offenders to receive general assistance benefits under Work First New Jersey program.

KS SB79

Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules that would allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance.

KS HB2015

Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules that would allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance.

KS HB2731

Requiring the department of health and environment in coordination with the Kansas department for aging and disability services to seek federal approval to establish continuous medicaid eligibility for certain individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are receiving services through a home and community based services waiver, requiring the secretary for children and families and the secretary of health and environment to enter into data-matching agreements with state agencies to verify eligibility for food and medical assistance, directing the department of health and environment to submit certain data to the centers for medicare and medicaid services, prohibiting certain public assistance program waivers or exemptions without legislative approval, prohibiting self-attestation for purposes of determining eligibility for public assistance programs, limiting retroactive enrollment in the medical assistance program, increasing the age limit for able-bodied adults without certain dependents and prohibiting certain exemptions from work requirements under the food assistance program.

KS SB1683

Modifies provisions relating to estates of persons receiving public benefits

KS SB363

Requiring the department of health and environment (KDHE) to seek federal approval for continuous medicaid eligibility for certain individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities receiving services through a home and community based services waiver, directing state agencies to report to certain legislative committees on Kansans losing public assistance program eligibility, requiring the Kansas department for children and families and KDHE to enter into data-matching agreements with state agencies to verify eligibility for food and medical assistance and KDHE to submit certain data to the centers for medicare and medicaid services, prohibiting certain public assistance waivers or exemptions without legislative approval and self-attestation for purposes of determining eligibility for public assistance, requiring quarterly eligibility redeterminations for medical assistance and providing exceptions for certain individuals, limiting retroactive enrollment in medical assistance, immediately terminating eligibility for medical assistance upon confirmation of death of the enrollee, increasing the age limit for able-bodied adults without certain dependents and prohibiting certain exemptions from work requirements under the food assistance program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.