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HB 1908

TO CREATE THE PROOF OF RESIDENCY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; AND TO REQUIRE PROOF OF RESIDENCY FOR ADULT APPLICANTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Long

HB 1908 aimed to require proof of residency for adult public assistance applicants in Arkansas, impacting applicants and state agencies with significant administrative costs.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1908

Summary of House Bill 1908: Proof of Residency for Public Assistance Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1908
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Purpose: To establish a requirement for proof of residency for adult applicants seeking public assistance in Arkansas.

Main Intent

The primary aim of HB 1908 is to amend existing public assistance laws by introducing a mandatory proof of residency requirement for adult applicants. This legislation seeks to ensure that only eligible residents of Arkansas receive public assistance benefits.

Key Provisions

  • Proof of Residency Requirement:
    The bill mandates that adult applicants for public assistance must provide evidence of their residency in Arkansas. Acceptable forms of proof include:

    • A utility bill in the applicant's name dated at least six months prior to the application.
    • A bank statement in the applicant's name from at least six months before the application.
    • An Arkansas driver's license or state-issued identification card issued within the six months preceding the application.

  • Verification Process:
    The state agency or political subdivision responsible for administering public assistance is required to make reasonable efforts to verify the residency of applicants.

Impact

Affected Parties

  • Adult Applicants for Public Assistance:
    Individuals seeking public assistance will need to provide additional documentation to prove their residency.

  • State Agencies:
    Agencies responsible for public assistance programs will face new administrative responsibilities related to verifying residency.

Fiscal Implications

The fiscal impact of implementing this bill is estimated to range from $3.2 million to $6.9 million. This includes:
- Clerical Staff Costs: Estimated between $1.1 million and $2.6 million.
- Case Worker Staff Costs: Estimated between $1.4 million and $3.4 million.
- Mailing Costs: Estimated between $163,512 and $382,524.
- System Costs: Estimated at $500,000.

The funding for these costs would be shared between state and federal sources, with a federal share estimated between $1.7 million and $3.6 million.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 31, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 1, 2025: Bill read for the first time, rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1908 aimed to enhance the integrity of public assistance programs in Arkansas by requiring proof of residency from adult applicants. Although it proposed significant changes to the application process and had notable fiscal implications, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage.

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

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