Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB665

Introduced
3/23/23  
Refer
3/23/23  
Refer
6/7/23  
Report Pass
6/21/23  
Refer
6/21/23  
Report Pass
6/22/23  
Engrossed
6/22/23  

Caption

Further providing for program operation.

Impact

One of the major impacts of HB 665 is the provision for technological improvements which include the potential for online purchasing of WIC benefits and remote loading of benefits. This modernization is aimed at improving the efficiency of the WIC program operations while ensuring that participants can access benefits without unnecessary delays or complications. Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of security measures to protect personal information and prevent fraudulent activities related to WIC benefits, thus enhancing the integrity of the program.

Summary

House Bill 665 aims to enhance the operation of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Pennsylvania by introducing significant amendments to existing laws. The bill provides for the use of state funds to improve the program's efficiency and accessibility, specifically by allowing participants to submit required documentation electronically ahead of their eligibility appointments. This modernization effort is intended to streamline the enrollment process for eligible families, thereby reducing barriers to access to essential nutritional assistance for mothers, infants, and young children.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 665 is predominantly positive, especially among advocates for women and children's health. Supporters view the enhancements as a critical step towards modernizing public welfare assistance programs to better serve vulnerable populations. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implementation of technology and whether it adequately addresses issues of accessibility for all eligible participants, particularly those who may not be tech-savvy or lack access to reliable internet services.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, points of contention may arise concerning the degree of funding and resources allocated for the technological enhancements and security measures. Moreover, there are discussions about ensuring that electronic systems do not inadvertently exclude any eligible families from accessing their entitled benefits. Balancing the modernization goals with the need to maintain equitable access to the WIC program remains a critical focus as the bill moves through legislative processes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB722

Further providing for program operation; and making an appropriation.

PA HB184

Further providing for definitions; and providing for Remote eWIC Reloading Pilot Program.

PA HB1593

Further providing for title of the act; in general provisions, further providing for legislative findings for early intervention, for definitions, for State interagency agreement, for other duties of State agencies and for council; in Statewide system for provision of early intervention services, further providing for requirements, for program regulations and standards, for administration by Department of Public Welfare, for administration by Department of Education and for child identification, assessment and tracking system; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for effective date; and making editorial changes.

PA HB86

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB664

Establishing the Women, Infants and Children State Advisory Board.

PA SB721

Establishing the Women, Infants and Children State Advisory Board.

PA HB1469

In safe community reentry, further providing for Safe Community Reentry Program and for contract for services.

PA HB829

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;

PA HB380

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA SB843

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission, for Basic Education Funding Commission and for Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness and providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; providing for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students, providing for enrollment of students and further providing for academic programs; in terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly reporting; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status; and abrogating regulations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.