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Bill

Bill

S 244

ROUTERS Act

119th Congress Introduced by Marsha Blackburn and 2 co-sponsors

Bill S 244 establishes a task force to study fiscal cliffs in public assistance, aiming to recommend reforms that protect beneficiaries from losing aid due to minor income increases.

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with amendments. With written report No. 119-25.
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Bill Summary · S 244

Summary of Bill S 244

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 244
  • Title: Establishes a fiscal cliff task force to conduct a study on fiscal cliffs in the state's public assistance programs and to make recommendations related thereto
  • Status: Substituted by A 2497
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 244 is to address the issue of "fiscal cliffs" within the state's public assistance programs. A fiscal cliff occurs when individuals or families lose access to benefits or assistance due to a slight increase in income, which can create a disincentive to work or improve their financial situation. The bill aims to establish a task force that will study these fiscal cliffs and provide recommendations to mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a Task Force: The bill proposes the creation of a fiscal cliff task force composed of experts, stakeholders, and representatives from relevant state agencies.
  • Study of Fiscal Cliffs: The task force will conduct a comprehensive study on the fiscal cliffs present in various public assistance programs, analyzing how these cliffs affect beneficiaries.
  • Recommendations: Following the study, the task force is expected to make actionable recommendations aimed at reforming public assistance programs to reduce or eliminate fiscal cliffs.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries of Public Assistance: The bill is designed to directly impact individuals and families who rely on public assistance programs, potentially leading to improved access to benefits without the fear of losing them due to minor income increases.
  • State Agencies and Policymakers: The findings and recommendations from the task force will provide valuable insights for state agencies and lawmakers, guiding future reforms in public assistance policies.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 08, 2025: Bill S 244 was introduced and referred to the Social Services Committee.
  • February 04, 2025: The bill was reported and committed to the Finance Committee.
  • May 29, 2025: The committee was discharged, and the bill was committed to the Rules Committee, followed by an order for third reading.
  • June 04, 2025: Bill S 244 was substituted by A 2497, which may contain similar or revised provisions.

Related Bills

  • S 7830: A prior-session bill that may relate to similar issues of public assistance.
  • A 2497: A companion bill that has substituted S 244, potentially carrying forward the intent and provisions of the original bill.

This summary provides a clear understanding of Bill S 244, its objectives, and its potential implications for public assistance programs in the state.

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

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