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Bill Summary · HB 553

Summary — HB 553: Expand Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Eligibility to Include Pregnancy

Status: Passed 1st Reading
Introduced: November 12, 2024
Subjects: DHHS, family issues, pregnancy, public health, social services, women

Purpose

HB 553 expands eligibility for state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) / Work First (or equivalent) assistance so that a pregnant woman — even before the birth of a child — is treated as a “family” for program purposes and may qualify for time‑limited cash assistance and related services.

Key provisions

  • Amends the state TANF/Work First statute’s definitions so that “family” explicitly includes a pregnant woman for program eligibility. (Language mirrors prior proposals that inserted pregnancy into the statutory definition of “family” used to determine Work First/TANF eligibility.)
  • By changing the definition, pregnant individuals become potentially eligible for the periodic cash assistance, supportive services, and work‑readiness activities provided under the Work First / TANF program.
  • No other substantive changes to benefit levels, durations, or program rules are specified in the text provided; program rules (work requirements, documentation, benefit amounts, duration limits) would continue to apply unless separately amended.

Who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: low‑income pregnant women who would not otherwise meet the current program’s family composition requirements. Inclusion allows access to cash assistance and program supports aimed at stabilizing households during pregnancy.
  • Program administrators: state and county social services agencies that determine eligibility, manage cases, and deliver services would need to update intake forms, eligibility screens, and staff guidance.
  • Indirectly affected: health and maternal‑child service providers and community organizations that partner with TANF programs (referrals, case management, support services).

Implementation, timeline & procedure

  • Introduced November 12, 2024; passed first reading (per bill information). Further committee actions, appropriations, or rulemaking may be required depending on the state and existing program rules.
  • If enacted, the effective date would be determined by the bill text (many statutory amendments become effective on enactment unless a specific date is provided). Implementation will require administrative steps (eligibility system updates, staff training, outreach).

Fiscal and administrative impact (likely)

  • Potential increase in caseload and near‑term program expenditures because more individuals would be eligible; the magnitude depends on the number of pregnant people who meet financial and other TANF eligibility criteria.
  • Administrative costs for outreach, eligibility system modifications, staff training, and potentially increased case management.
  • Some states may offset costs with reallocation of existing program funds, federal funds (where allowable), or future appropriations; a formal fiscal note should be consulted when available.

Other notes

  • This is a policy change focused on eligibility, not on changing benefit amounts or adding new services beyond what TANF/Work First already offers.
  • Similar proposals have been introduced in prior sessions in some states (e.g., language that inserts “pregnant woman” into the statutory definition of family), and implementation details vary by state.
  • Interested stakeholders (public health and maternal‑child health advocates, social services agencies, county human services offices) may want to follow committee hearings and any fiscal notes prepared as the bill advances.

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

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