Title: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan

Summary: Providing for the use of funds provided under the plan for the purchase of disposable diapers by parents receiving financial assistance under certain conditions and consistent with federal law, etc.

Full Text:
WHEREAS, existing law requires each county to provide cash assistance and other social services to needy families through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan, and WHEREAS, existing federal law classifies diapers, together with cigarettes and alcohol, as disallowed purchases under the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and WHEREAS, low-income parents cannot take advantage of subsidized child care if they cannot afford to provide disposable diapers as required by most child care centers, and WHEREAS, without access to child care, these parents are less able to attend work or school on a consistent basis, leading to increased economic instability, and WHEREAS, lack of sufficient diapers can lead to multiple problems for families in need, including unhappy babies, unhealthy communities, undereducated toddlers, and underemployed adults, and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that will empower families that receive public assistance and who have children who are wearing diapers to return to the workforce by removing obstacles to obtaining diapers to the extent permitted by federal law, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1.  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan. The Department of Children and Families shall amend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan, submitted in accordance with s. of the Social Security Act, as amended, U.S.C. s. 602, to provide for the use of funds for the purchase of disposable diapers by parents receiving assistance through the plan, subject to the availability of moneys and the limitations established by the General Appropriations Act. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2015.