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HB 2215

Relating to eligibility verification for applicants for public assistance

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Steele

House Bill 2215 requires parents to cooperate with child support enforcement to receive public assistance, promoting accountability and compliance in West Virginia.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 2215

Summary of House Bill 2215

Bill Number: HB 2215
Title: Relating to eligibility verification for applicants for public assistance
Status: To House Judiciary
Introduced: February 3, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Human Services

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2215 aims to amend the eligibility requirements for public assistance in West Virginia, specifically targeting the cooperation of non-custodial and custodial parents with child support enforcement. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals receiving public assistance are actively engaged in child support obligations, thereby promoting accountability and compliance with existing child support laws.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes to the eligibility verification process for public assistance:

  1. Eligibility Verification Process:

    • All applications for public assistance must be processed through a designated system.
    • Complete applications, including interviews, are to be processed within 10 days of receipt or within the maximum timeframe required by federal law.

  2. Non-Custodial Parents:

    • Non-custodial parents must cooperate with child support enforcement as a condition for receiving public assistance.
    • Individuals who are delinquent in child support payments will be disqualified from receiving assistance for that month.

  3. Custodial Parents:

    • Custodial parents are required to cooperate with child support enforcement in establishing paternity as a condition of eligibility.
    • Custodial parents will not be obligated to conduct any investigative activities regarding the non-custodial parent.

  4. Rulemaking Authority:

    • The Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is authorized to promulgate rules to implement these provisions, which must be approved by the legislature.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The provisions of this bill will take effect on January 1, 2025, or when the DHHR transitions to a new enhanced eligibility verification system, whichever occurs first.

Impact

Who Will Be Affected?

  • Non-Custodial Parents: Will face stricter eligibility requirements for public assistance, requiring compliance with child support obligations.
  • Custodial Parents: Must cooperate in establishing paternity to qualify for assistance, although they are not required to investigate the non-custodial parent.
  • Department of Health and Human Resources: Will have increased responsibilities in enforcing these eligibility conditions and will need to develop new rules for implementation.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 3, 2025, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee on February 12, 2025. Further legislative actions will determine its progression through the legislative process.

Conclusion

House Bill 2215 represents a significant shift in the eligibility requirements for public assistance in West Virginia, emphasizing the importance of child support compliance among parents. By mandating cooperation with child support enforcement, the bill aims to enhance accountability and ensure that public assistance is provided to those who fulfill their legal obligations regarding child support.

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

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