Kansas House Bill HB2393

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Directing the secretary for children and families to review and compare data for public assistance program eligibility.

Impact

By requiring monthly and quarterly reviews of relevant data from multiple state departments, the bill seeks to strengthen oversight regarding individual eligibility for public assistance. Key sources of data include the Department of Labor, Department of Revenue, Department of Vital Statistics, and others, which would contribute to a comprehensive understanding of each household's eligibility. Such measures are intended to facilitate more efficient and accurate fraud detection and prevention, potentially leading to resource optimization within the state's public assistance programs.

Summary

House Bill 2393 focuses on enhancing the eligibility verification process for public assistance programs, particularly the food assistance program in Kansas. The bill mandates the secretary for children and families to establish data-matching agreements with various state agencies to continuously review and compare data concerning households enrolled in food assistance. The implementation of this bill aims to ensure that any changes in a household's circumstances, such as income or residency, are promptly addressed to maintain the integrity of the assistance provided.

Contention

While the bill is mainly aligned with the goals of reducing ineligible claims and protecting public funds, it may raise concerns regarding privacy and the burden on state agencies to manage extensive data analysis. Critics might argue that the increased scrutiny could lead to challenges for legitimate beneficiaries, especially those experiencing temporary hardships. Additionally, there may be questions raised regarding how effectively the state can handle and secure sensitive information about individuals linked to their public assistance benefits. This balance between fraud prevention and support accessibility could provoke discussion among lawmakers and the public.