25 LC 60 0033 House Bill 25 By: Representatives Scott of the 76 th , Davis of the 87 th , and Schofield of the 63 rd A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, 1 relating to public assistance generally, so as to provide for the submission of a waiver request2 by the Department of Human Services to permit the recipients of certain public assistance3 benefits to use such benefits for the purpose of purchasing diapers or menstrual hygiene4 products if the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service makes5 such waiver available to states; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to6 repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.7 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:8 SECTION 1.9 This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Dignity is Essential Act."10 SECTION 2.11 Article 1 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to12 public assistance generally, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:13 H. B. 25 - 1 - 25 LC 60 0033 "49-4-23.14 If the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service creates and15 makes available to the states a waiver permitting recipients of benefits provided under the16 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program17 for Women, Infants, and Children to use their benefits to purchase diapers or menstrual18 hygiene products, such as tampons, sanitary napkins, and feminine wipes, then the19 Department of Human Services shall apply for such waiver. If the United States20 Department of Agriculture approves such waiver application, then the Department of21 Human Services shall adopt rules and make other changes as necessary to implement the22 approved waiver."23 SECTION 3.24 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.25 H. B. 25 - 2 -