RESUMEHB464 2709 6929
Broadwater (HB 464) Act No. 622
New law creates and provides for a workforce training and education pilot initiative within
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)
administered by DCFS. Provides that the pilot initiative shall be located in a parish with a
population of between 100,000 and 150,000 and in which is located the main campus of a
public four-year college or university.
New law provides that the goals of the pilot initiative are:
(1)To provide incentives that are demonstrably effective in helping SNAP beneficiaries
achieve financial self-sufficiency.
(2)To connect employers to job candidates who possess requisite skills such that
workforce needs, especially in demand occupations, are readily met.
(3)To provide supports to SNAP recipients who choose to further their education.
(4)To yield a model for incentivizing training and education for public assistance
recipients that can be replicated throughout the state.
New law provides that participants in the pilot initiative shall include nonworking, able-
bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), as defined in federal regulation, who reside
in the parish in which the initiative is established and who are not exempted by any federal
or state policy from the limitation on duration of SNAP benefit recipience established
pursuant to 7 CFR 273.24.
As a precondition for implementing the pilot initiative, new law requires DCFS to ensure that
the limitation on duration of SNAP benefit recipience by nonexempt ABAWDs provided in
7 CFR 273.24 (three months in any three-year period) is in effect in the parish in which the
initiative is established, and not lifted through any statewide or parish-level waiver.
New law provides that the essential function of the pilot initiative is to provide to each
participant, at the time of benefits eligibility redetermination, a six-month extension of SNAP
benefits conditioned upon the following:
(1)The participant meets one or more of the following criteria relative to educational
advancement:
(a)In the previous six months, the participant satisfied requirements established
by DCFS in rule relative to enrollment in an accredited postsecondary
educational institution that grants associate or baccalaureate degrees.
(b)In the previous six months, the participant satisfied requirements established
by DCFS in rule relative to enrollment in a program designed to lead to a
high school diploma.
(c)In the previous six months, the participant satisfied requirements established
by DCFS in rule relative to enrollment in a general education development
test preparation course.
(d)The participant earned a high school diploma or a general education
development diploma.
(2)The participant meets criteria relative to workforce readiness as required by DCFS
in rule including but not limited to the following:
(a)Participating for a specified minimum number of hours in an approved job
training program.
(b)Applying for a specified minimum number of jobs. RESUMEHB464 2709 6929
New law requires DCFS to conduct SNAP eligibility redetermination for participants in the
pilot initiative no less frequently than once every six months.
New law requires participants in the pilot initiative to provide to DCFS all requested
documentation of participation in a workforce training or education program at the time of
SNAP eligibility redetermination, and to comply with all other SNAP eligibility requirements
as set forth by DCFS.
New law requires that prior to commencement of the pilot initiative, DCFS shall transmit
notice in writing to each prospective participant indicating that continuation of benefits
beyond the three-month limit will be conditioned upon engagement by the participant in
acceptable workforce training or education activities. Authorizes DCFS to take any other
actions it deems necessary to provide ABAWDs with adequate notification of the changes
in SNAP benefits eligibility to be instituted through the pilot initiative. Further, requires
DCFS to do all of the following relative to participant notification:
(1)Within two weeks of commencement of the pilot initiative, transmit to each
prospective participant a form that provides a clear description of requirements for
continuation of benefits eligibility, and a space in which the participant may
affirmatively acknowledge that he understands these requirements.
(2)During the operation of the pilot initiative, promptly notify each participant of any
decision concerning his eligibility for SNAP benefits made pursuant to the
redetermination process provided for in new law.
New law requires DCFS to promulgate all rules and regulations as may be necessary to
implement the provisions of new law.
New law requires DCFS, prior to commencement of the pilot initiative, to transmit to the
members of the legislative committees on health and welfare a notice addressing the purpose
and function of the initiative and its commencement date. Provides that such notice may be
transmitted via electronic mail.
New law requires that no later than 12 months after commencement of the pilot initiative,
and at least annually thereafter, DCFS shall submit a report on outcomes of the pilot
initiative to the legislative committees on health and welfare.
New law provides that implementation of the pilot initiative is contingent upon federal
approval.
New law provides that DCFS may terminate the pilot initiative by emergency rule if it
determines that workforce participation outcomes or educational attainment have not
improved to a satisfactory degree as a result of the initiative. Authorizes and directs the
DCFS secretary to collaborate with the executive director of LWC in workforce participation
outcomes evaluation prior to issuing any emergency rule to terminate the pilot initiative.
New law authorizes and directs DCFS to submit to the federal agency that administers SNAP
on or before Jan. 1, 2015, applications for any waiver, exemption, or other formal
authorization and any state plan amendment as may be necessary to implement the provisions
of new law.
Effective Aug. 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 46:311-318)