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H 220

An Act establishing a diaper benefits pilot program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christine Barber and 11 co-sponsors

H 220 - An Act Establishing a Diaper Benefits Pilot Program SummaryThis bill would create a 3-year pilot program to provide free diapers to low-income families in the state. The pr

Accompanied a new draft, see H4911
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Bill Summary · H 220

H 220 - An Act Establishing a Diaper Benefits Pilot Program

Summary

This bill would create a 3-year pilot program to provide free diapers to low-income families in the state. The program's goal is to help alleviate the financial burden of diapering young children for families struggling with poverty.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a "Diaper Assistance Program" within the state's Department of Health and Human Services
  • Provides free diapers each month to families with children under age 3 who are enrolled in Medicaid or have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Authorizes the program to distribute diapers directly to families or partner with local nonprofit organizations for distribution
  • Appropriates $5 million per year for the 3-year pilot period to fund diaper purchases and program administration
  • Requires the department to collect data on program usage, cost savings, and impacts on families
  • Directs the department to submit annual reports to the legislature and make recommendations on continuing or expanding the program

Impact

The bill aims to support low-income families by covering a critical daily need - diapers for infants and toddlers. Proponents argue that providing free diapers can improve child health, reduce parental stress, and free up limited family budgets for other necessities.

The pilot program is expected to serve an estimated 20,000 children per year across the state. However, the $5 million annual budget may not meet the full demand, so the department will have to carefully manage program eligibility and distribution.

The data collection and reporting requirements are intended to evaluate the pilot's effectiveness and build the case for extending or expanding diaper assistance in the future.

Timeline

  • The Diaper Assistance Program would be established by January 1, 2026 and run as a 3-year pilot through December 31, 2028.
  • A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for September 16, 2025, after which it will move through the regular legislative process.
  • If passed, the department must promulgate program rules and begin accepting applications from eligible families within 6 months.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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