Relating to the receipt by certain relative caretakers of dependent children of supplemental financial assistance and the assignment of those relative caretakers as protective payees for financial assistance payments; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
One of the significant implications of HB 67 is the introduction of protective payees for financial assistance payments. The bill permits relatives, as outlined, to serve as protective payees—enabling them to receive funds on behalf of the dependent children when it is determined that the biological parents are misusing these funds. This provision seeks to safeguard the intended use of financial assistance, reinforcing the idea of familial responsibility in child welfare.
House Bill 67 seeks to amend the Human Resources Code to provide supplemental financial assistance to certain relatives of dependent children, specifically targeting those who take on the role of primary caregivers. The bill intends to extend financial support to individuals aged 25 or older who are grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings of a dependent child, provided they meet specific income criteria set at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. This support aims to ensure that dependent children receive adequate care within familial structures, thereby promoting child welfare.
The bill also establishes penalties for fraudulent claims regarding the receipt of financial assistance. Offenders who knowingly provide false information to receive these benefits are subject to civil penalties and potential criminal charges, classified as state jail felonies unless they have previous convictions under similar circumstances. This aspect of HB 67 marks an aggressive stance against fraud, ensuring a more transparent distribution of assistance while simultaneously creating pressure on relatives to ensure compliance with the financial assistance program regulations.