Source: http://leg.mt.gov/bills/1997/Bills/House/HB0371_03.htm
Timestamp: 2017-10-17 05:36:40
Document Index: 470071499

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 22', 'art 6', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'art 9', 'art 6']

House Bill No. 371
A Bill for an Act entitled: "An Act replacing the aid to families with dependent children program with the temporary assistance for needy families FAMILIES ACHIEVING INDEPENDENCE IN MONTANA (FAIM) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE program; making provisions regarding overpayment of public assistance apply to recipient error; requiring recipients to notify the department of public health and human services regarding any change that may affect eligibility for public assistance; amending provisions regarding the food stamp program; allowing the department to adopt rules; replacing the JOBS program with an employment and training program; deleting the child support pass-through payment of up to $50 a month; revising the terms "dependent child" and "family" for purposes of the temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE program; allowing administration of the temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE program to vary across the state; requiring members of Indian tribes participating in the temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE program to be subject to the same rules, policies, and requirements of the program; requiring the department to adopt additional rules for the temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE program, including rules for exemptions from time limits, for aliens, and for teenage parents; revising eligibility provisions; making the provision of child-care assistance discretionary; providing that the temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE program is not an entitlement; providing a 24-month maximum for receipt of pathways assistance for single-parent and two-parent families, subject to a 60-month limitation; removing the requirement for workers' compensation coverage for FAIM project recipients; maintaining eligibility for basic medicaid for recipients of temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE and under other circumstances; amending sections 23-1-303, 39-7-303, 40-4-215, 53-2-108, 53-2-109, 53-2-201, 53-2-211, 53-2-606, 53-2-610, 53-2-613, 53-2-901, 53-2-902, 53-2-903, 53-2-904, 53-2-1103, 53-2-1109, 53-4-201, 53-4-202, 53-4-211, 53-4-212, 53-4-214, 53-4-221, 53-4-231, 53-4-233, 53-4-241, 53-4-246, 53-4-247, 53-4-248, 53-4-601, 53-4-602, 53-4-603, 53-4-606, 53-4-607, 53-4-608, 53-4-609, 53-4-611, 53-4-612, 53-4-613, 53-4-701, 53-4-702, 53-4-703, 53-4-705, 53-4-706, 53-4-717, 53-6-101, 53-6-113, 53-6-131, and 53-6-134, MCA; and repealing sections 39-7-601, 39-7-602, 39-7-603, 39-7-604, 39-7-605, 39-7-606, 53-4-249, 53-4-707, 53-4-708, 53-4-715, 53-4-716, 53-4-718, and 53-4-720, MCA."
Section 1. Section 23-1-303, MCA, is amended to read:
"23-1-303. Powers and duties of the division. The division, in cooperation with the department, may:
(1) hire a corps coordinator;
(2) coordinate with state agencies to place eligible participants in work experience projects, including those state general assistance (GA) and federal aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) temporary assistance for needy families recipients OF FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, utilizing grant diversion funding and youth under state supervision utilizing payments from the department of public health and human services;
(3) develop and approve work experience projects that meet the requirements of this part;
(4) ensure that work experience projects involve labor-intensive improvements to public lands or facilities that will result in a public value and have a potential to yield revenue;
(5) execute contracts or cooperative agreements containing the terms and conditions necessary and desirable for the employment of crewleaders and corpsmembers in approved work experience projects with federal, state, or local agencies, persons, firms, partnerships, associations, or corporations;
(6) execute contracts or cooperative agreements with federal, state, or local agencies, persons, partnerships, associations, or corporations for the purpose of administering the requirements of this part;
(7) develop procedures for awarding incentive vouchers;
(8) authorize use of the corps for emergency projects, including but not limited to natural disasters, fire prevention and suppression, and rescue of lost or injured persons, and provide adequate training to corpsmembers prior to participation in an emergency project;
(9) apply for and accept grants or contributions of services, funds, or lands from any public or private donors, including the acceptance of federal funds appropriated by the legislature;
(10) purchase, rent, acquire, or obtain personal property, supplies, instruments, tools, or equipment necessary to complete work experience projects; and
(11) adopt rules and guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this part and to effectively administer the program."
Section 2. Section 39-7-303, MCA, is amended to read:
"39-7-303. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Adult" means a person who is 18 years of age or older.
(2) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry as provided in 2-15-1701.
(3) "Displaced homemaker" means an adult who:
(a) has worked as an adult primarily without remuneration to care for the home and family and for that reason has diminished marketable skills and who has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a relative but is no longer supported by that income; or
(b) (i) is a parent whose youngest dependent child will become ineligible to receive FINANCIAL assistance under the program for aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, pursuant to Title 53, chapter 4, part 2, within 2 years of the parent's application for displaced homemaker assistance;
(ii) is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining any employment or suitable employment, as appropriate; or
(iii) meets the qualifications described in subsection (3)(a) or (3)(b) and is a criminal offender."
Section 3. Section 40-4-215, MCA, is amended to read:
"40-4-215. Investigations and reports. (1) In contested custody proceedings and in other custody proceedings if a parent or the child's custodian requests, the court may order an investigation and report concerning custodial arrangements for the child. The department of public health and human services may not be ordered to conduct the investigation or draft a report unless the parent or the child's custodian requesting the investigation is a recipient of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, food stamps, or public assistance and all reasonable options for payment of the investigation, if conducted by a person not employed by the department, are exhausted. The department may consult with any investigator and share information relevant to the child's best interests. The cost of the investigation and report must be paid according to the final order.
(2) In preparing a report concerning a child, the investigator may consult any person who may have information about the child and the child's potential custodial arrangements. Upon order of the court, the investigator may refer the child to professional personnel for diagnosis. The investigator may consult with and obtain information from medical, psychiatric, or other expert persons who have served the child in the past without obtaining the consent of the parent or the child's custodian. The child's consent must be obtained if the child has reached the age of 16 unless the court finds that the child lacks mental capacity to consent. If the requirements of subsection (3) are fulfilled, the investigator's report may be received in evidence at the hearing.
(3) The court shall mail the investigator's report to counsel and to any party not represented by counsel at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The investigator shall make available to counsel and to any party not represented by counsel the investigator's file of underlying data and reports, complete texts of diagnostic reports made to the investigator pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2), and the names and addresses of all persons whom the investigator has consulted. Any party to the proceeding may call the investigator and any person the investigator has consulted for cross-examination. A party may not waive the right of cross-examination prior to the hearing."
Section 4. Section 53-2-108, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-108. Overpayment of assistance -- civil penalty when fraud. (1) If, due to department or recipient error, a recipient receives public assistance for which he the recipient is not eligible, the portion of payment that he the recipient is not entitled to receive shall may be returned at the discretion of the department.
(2) If a person obtains any part of an assistance payment through fraudulent means as specified in 53-2-107, 125% of the amount of assistance to which the person was not entitled shall must be repaid and, until fully paid, is a debt due the state."
Section 5. Section 53-2-109, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-109. Recipients to report income not previously declared changes in factors affecting eligibility. Recipients of public assistance shall notify the department within 10 days of the receipt of any income or resources not previously declared to the department of any change or anticipated change in income, resources, household composition, or other factor that may affect eligibility for public assistance or the benefit amount within the period of time specified by the department by rule. Failure of the department to verify information provided by the recipient does not absolve the recipient from his the obligation to provide accurate information to the department."
Section 6. Section 53-2-201, MCA, is amended to read:
(a) administer and supervise public assistance, including the provision of food stamps, food commodities, aid to families with dependent children, FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, energy assistance, weatherization, vocational rehabilitation, services for persons with severe disabilities, developmental disability services, and medical care payments in behalf of recipients of public assistance, employment and training services for recipients of public assistance, and the temporary assistance for needy families program OTHER PROGRAMS AS NECESSARY TO STRENGTHEN AND PRESERVE FAMILIES;
(b) give consultant service to private institutions providing care for the needy, and indigent, handicapped, or dependent adults;
(h) adopt rules regarding assignment of monetary and medical support upon application for temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, and related medical assistance.
Section 7. Section 53-2-211, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-211. Department to share eligibility data. (1) The department shall make available to the unemployment compensation program of the department of labor and industry all information contained in its files and records pertaining to eligibility of persons for medicaid, aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, and food stamps. The information made available must include information on the amount and source of an applicant's income. The information received from the department must be used by the department of labor and industry for the purpose of determining fraud, abuse, or eligibility for benefits under the unemployment compensation program of the state and for no other purpose.
(2) The department shall make available to the unemployment compensation and the workers' compensation programs of the department of labor and industry all information contained in its files and records pertaining to eligibility of persons for low-income energy assistance, and weatherization, and general relief. The information made available must include information on the amount and source of an applicant's income. The information received from the department must be used by the department of labor and industry for the purpose of determining fraud, abuse, or eligibility for benefits under the unemployment compensation and workers' compensation programs of the state and for no other purpose.
(3) (a) Subject to federal restrictions, the department may request information from the department of labor and industry pertaining to unemployment, workers' compensation, and occupational disease benefits. If the department of labor and industry discovers evidence relating to fraud or abuse for unemployment, workers' compensation, or occupational benefits, the department of labor and industry may request information from the department of revenue pertaining to income as provided in 15-30-303(8)(c).
(4) The department may, to the extent permitted by federal law, make available to an agency of the state or to any other organization information contained in its files and records pertaining to the eligibility of persons for medicaid, aid to families with dependent children the temporary assistance for needy families program FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, food stamps, low-income energy assistance, weatherization, or other public assistance. The information may be disclosed only for purposes directly connected with the administration of a program or purpose of the agency and may not be used by the agency for any other purpose."
Section 8. Section 53-2-606, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-606. Right of appeal. (1) If an application for assistance for food stamps, aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, or medicaid is not acted upon promptly or if a decision is made with which the applicant or recipient is not satisfied, the applicant or recipient may appeal to the board of public assistance for a fair hearing by addressing a request for a hearing to the department of public health and human services. The board of public assistance shall, upon receipt of a request for a hearing, give the applicant or recipient prompt notice and opportunity for a fair hearing.
(2) The department may upon its own motion review any decision of a county welfare board and may consider any application upon which a decision has not been made by the county board within a reasonable time from the filing of the decision. The department may have an additional investigation made and shall make a decision as to the granting of assistance and the amount of assistance to be granted the applicant as in its opinion is justified and in conformity with the provisions of this title.
(3) If the department reviews a county decision on its own motion, applicants or recipients affected by the decisions of the department shall upon request be given reasonable notice and an opportunity for a fair hearing by the board of public assistance.
(4) All decisions of the department or the board of public assistance are final and are binding and must be complied with by the county department."
Section 9. Section 53-2-610, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-610. County to reimburse department. (1) On or before the 20th of each month, the department of public health and human services shall present a claim for reimbursement to each county department for its proportionate share of public assistance granted in the county to recipients during the month and for vendor medical payments made on behalf of recipients in the previous month. The county department shall make the reimbursement to the department of public health and human services within 20 days after the claim is presented.
(2) The counties may not be required to reimburse the department of public health and human services for:
(a) any portion of public assistance paid to a household eligible for aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, if the household includes an enrolled Indian who is the caretaker relative of a needy dependent child; or
(b) any payment on behalf of any person in a state-operated medical institution.
(3) (a) From the original date of entrustment or the original date of state residency, whichever is earlier, recipients of public assistance who become wards or patients in a licensed nursing home or hospital, foster home, or private charitable institution are the financial responsibility of the appropriate county as provided in subsections (3)(b) through (3)(d).
(b) The county in which commitment of an adult is initiated is considered the county of financial responsibility except where when a court decree declares the residency to be otherwise. When an adult is transferred from a facility or institution to one of the facilities listed in subsection (3)(a), the county that initiated the original commitment is considered the county of financial responsibility except in the case of an adult transfer from an out-of-state institution, in which case the county in which the facility is located is considered the county of financial responsibility.
(c) In all cases in which a minor patient or ward is involved, the county of financial responsibility is the county in which the parent or guardian resides. If the custody of a minor is entrusted to a state agency, the agency may make a reasonable declaration of the county residency of its ward using applicable guidelines enumerated in this section.
(d) If a person is or becomes an adult while in an institution, the person may determine the county of residence when the person is restored to competency and released. The person becomes the financial responsibility of the new county of residence."
Section 10. Section 53-2-613, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-613. Application for assistance -- assignment of support rights. (1) Applications for public assistance, including but not limited to aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, and medical assistance, must be made to the county department of public welfare in the county in which the person is residing. The application must be submitted, in the manner and form prescribed by the department of public health and human services, and must contain information required by the department of public health and human services.
(2) A person by signing who signs an application for public assistance temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, or related medical assistance assigns to the state, to the department of public health and human services, and to the county welfare department all rights that the applicant may have to monetary and medical support and medical payments from any other person in the applicant's own behalf or in behalf of any other family member for whom application is made. A person who signs an application for public assistance other than temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902, or related medical assistance may, in accordance with rules adopted by the department, be required to assign to the state, to the department, and to the county welfare department all rights that the applicant may have to monetary and medical support from any other person in the applicant's own behalf or on behalf of any other family member for whom application is made.
(a) is effective for both current and accrued support and medical obligations;
(b) takes effect upon a determination that the applicant is eligible for public assistance;
(4) Whenever a child support or spousal support obligation is assigned to the department of public health and human services pursuant to this section, the following provisions apply:
(a) If the support obligation is based upon a judgment or decree or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, the department may retain assigned support amounts in an amount sufficient to reimburse public assistance money expended.
(c) If a notice of assigned interest is filed with the district court, the clerk of the court may not pay over or release for the benefit of any recipient or former recipient of public assistance any amounts received pursuant to a judgment or decree or an order of the court until the department's child support enforcement division has filed a written notice that:
(d) A recipient or former recipient of public assistance may not take action to modify or make any agreement to modify, settle, or release any past, present, or future support obligation unless the department's child support enforcement division is given written notice under the provisions of 40-5-202. Any modifications or agreements entered into without the participation of the department are void with respect to the state, the department, and the county welfare department."
Section 11. Section 53-2-901, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-901. Administration of food stamp program -- rulemaking authority. (1) The department is authorized to administer the food stamp program in compliance with all federal laws and requirements.
(2) The department shall adopt rules that are necessary and desirable for the administration of the food stamp program.
(a) eligibility for assistance, including income and resource limitations, income and resource exclusions, and transfers of resources;
(c) certification periods periodic redetermination of eligibility;
(h) penalties applicable to recipients of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE who have been sanctioned because of failure to meet any requirement of the aid to families with dependent children that program.
Section 12. Section 53-2-902, MCA, is amended to read:
(1) "Child support pass-through payments" means child support received for a dependent child or children in a family receiving aid to families with dependent children, up to $50 a month, that is paid or "passed through" to the family pursuant to section 402 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 602(a)(8)(A)(vi).
(2)(1) "Department" means the department of public health and human services provided in Title 2, chapter 15, part 22.
(3)(2) "Employment and training demonstration project" means the employment and training program for recipients of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE who are participating in the FAIM project.
(3) "FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE" MEANS THE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES PARTICIPANTS IN THE JOB SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM, PATHWAYS PROGRAM, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM OF THE FAIM PROJECT WITH BENEFITS THAT MAY INCLUDE CASH, SERVICES, AND NONCASH ASSISTANCE.
(4)(3)(4) "FAIM project" means the families achieving independence in Montana project, including the aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families program FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE part established in 53-4-603, a food stamp part administered pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1977, 7 U.S.C. 2026, and a medicaid part administered pursuant to the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1315.
(5)(4)(5) "Food stamp program" means the provision of coupons food stamp benefits that can be used to purchase food to low-income persons pursuant to the Food Stamp Act Amendments of 1980, 7 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.
(6) "JOBS program" means the job opportunities and basic skills training program for recipients of aid to families with dependent children that is conducted in accordance with the requirements of section 201 of the federal Family Support Act of 1988, 42 U.S.C. 602(a)(19), 681 through 686."
Section 13. Section 53-2-903, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-903. Employment and training program. The department shall establish and administer an employment and training program for food stamp recipients that is in compliance with federal requirements. For purposes of the FAIM project, if in accordance with waivers of federal law that are granted by the food and nutrition consumer service of the U.S. department of agriculture, the department may merge its food stamp program employment and training program with its JOBS temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE employment and training program or may modify the rules and requirements of the food stamp program employment and training program as necessary to make them consistent with those of the employment and training demonstration project."
Section 14. Section 53-2-904, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-904. Income and resource exclusions -- FAIM participants. If In accordance with waivers of federal law that are granted by the food and nutrition CONSUMER service of the U.S. department of agriculture, the department may by rule establish special income and resource exclusions to be applied to participants of the FAIM project in determining their eligibility for food stamps and in determining the benefit amount. Exclusions that may be established include but are not limited to exclusions for one-time only cash payments for special employment-related needs as provided in 53-4-603 and child support pass-through payments of up to $50 a month in determining the recipients' eligibility for food stamps and determining the benefit amount."
Section 15. Section 53-2-1103, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-1103. Definitions. For the purposes of this part, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Economically disadvantaged person" has the same meaning as provided in section 4 of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1503).
(2) "Job Training Partnership Act" means the federal Job Training Partnership Act, Public Law 97-300 (29 U.S.C. 1501, et seq.), as amended.
(3) "Job training plan" means the plan for providing services and training in a service delivery area, as required in 53-2-1107.
(4) "Program" means the program created by 53-2-1104 to implement the provisions of Title II-A of the Job Training Partnership Act.
(5) "Program year" means the fiscal year beginning on July 1 of the year for which an appropriation is made for the program established under this part, as provided in section 161 of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1571).
(6) "Public assistance program" means the state program of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-2-902.
(7) "Service delivery area" means an area designated as provided in section 101 of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1511)."
Section 16. Section 53-2-1109, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-2-1109. Coordination of services. The state job training coordinating council shall identify, in coordination with the appropriate state and local agencies, the employment, training, and vocational education needs throughout the state and assess the extent to which employment and training, vocational education, rehabilitation services, public assistance, economic development, and other federal, state, and local programs and services represent a consistent, integrated, and coordinated approach to meeting such needs. In carrying out this coordinating function, the council shall consider state policy set forth in 2-15-101 to eliminate overlapping and duplication of services within state government and in accordance with the provisions of section 121 of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1531) and other employment and training programs, including:
(1) programs operated under the federal Family Support Act of 1988; and
(2) programs and services of public assistance agencies."
Section 17. Section 53-4-201, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-201. Definitions. As used in part 6 and this part, the following definitions apply:
(1) The term "aid to families with dependent children" means money payments made on behalf of a dependent child pursuant to Title IV of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601, et seq.) and may include payments to meet the needs of a specified caretaker relative with whom the dependent child is living. The term also includes emergency assistance to families with children as provided by the federal Social Security Act.
(2)(1) "Department" means the department of public health and human services provided for in 2-15-2201.
(3)(2) (A) (a) The term "dependent "Dependent child", for public assistance purposes, means::
(i)(I) a child under the age of 18 years of age; or; OR
(ii) a person under the age of 19 who is a student under the regulations prescribed by the department.
(b) The child described in subsection (3)(a)(i) or (3)(a)(ii) must be deprived of parental support or care by reason of the death, continued absence from the home, continued unemployment, or physical or mental incapacity of a parent and be who is living with a specified caretaker relative, as defined in rules adopted by the department
(B) THE PERSON DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (2)(A)(I) OR (2)(A)(II) MUST BE LIVING WITH A SPECIFIED CARETAKER RELATIVE, AS DEFINED BY THE DEPARTMENT BY RULE.
(4)(3)(4) "FAIM project" means the families achieving independence in Montana project as established in 53-4-601. The temporary assistance for needy families program may also be known in the state of Montana as the FAIM project.
(4)(5) "Family" means a group of people who live with a dependent child, each of whom is related to the dependent child by blood, marriage, or adoption or by law, such as:
(5)(6) "Federal poverty level" means the measure of indigence established annually by the U.S. office of management and budget.
(6)(7) "Public assistance" or "assistance" means a type of monetary or other assistance furnished under this title to a person by a state or county agency, regardless of the original source of the assistance.
(7)(8) "Specified caretaker relative" means a person within a degree of kinship to the dependent child, as specified by department rule, who lives with the child and exercises care and control over the child.
(9) "STATE PLAN" MEANS THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE STATE OF MONTANA'S FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND OTHER PROGRAMS FUNDED BY TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES. IT IS PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND CERTIFIED BY THE FEDERAL AGENCY THAT PROVIDES FUNDING FOR THOSE PROGRAMS.
(8)(10) "Temporary assistance for needy families" means the program that provides money payments to a dependent child pursuant to Title IV of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 601, et seq., as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and may include payments to meet the needs of a specified caretaker relative or relatives with whom the dependent child is living. The term also includes emergency assistance for needy families as provided by the federal Social Security Act. Temporary assistance for needy families may also be known in the state of Montana as the FAIM project FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT THAT FUNDS FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN AND PRESERVE FAMILIES PURSUANT TO TITLE IV OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, 42 U.S.C. 601, ET SEQ., AS AMENDED BY THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996.
(9) "Temporary assistance for needy families state plan" means the document summarizing the policies and procedures governing the state of Montana's temporary assistance for needy families program that is prepared by the department and is approved by the federal agency that provides funding for the temporary assistance for needy families program."
Section 18. Section 53-4-202, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-202. Aid to families with dependent children Temporary assistance for needy families program FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE to be in effect in all counties. (1) It is mandatory and required that the temporary assistance for needy families state plan and operation of aid to families with dependent children the temporary assistance for needy families program PROGRAMS DESCRIBED IN THE STATE PLAN must be in effect in each county of the state, and the administration and supervision of aid to families with dependent children must be uniform throughout the counties of the state. However, the.
(2) It is not required that the PROGRAMS FUNDED UNDER THE temporary assistance for needy families program BLOCK GRANT be uniformly administered in each county of the state, provided that it is administered in accordance with all requirements of the temporary assistance for needy families state plan and federal law. The department may also administer demonstration programs pursuant to section 1115 of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1315, or any other provision of that act that permits the states to administer experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects.
(3) An enrolled member of an Indian tribe participating in A PROGRAM THAT IS FUNDED BY the temporary assistance for needy families program operated BLOCK GRANT ADMINISTERED by the state of Montana must be subject to the same rules, policies, and requirements as all other applicants for and recipients of temporary assistance for needy families benefits FUNDED BY THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES BLOCK GRANT."
Section 19. Section 53-4-211, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-211. Administration of aid to families with dependent children PROGRAMS FUNDED UNDER temporary assistance for needy families program BLOCK GRANT. (1) The department is hereby authorized and is charged with the general administration and supervision of aid to families with dependent children PROGRAMS FUNDED UNDER the temporary assistance for needy families program BLOCK GRANT under the powers, duties, and functions as prescribed in chapter 2 of this title.
(2) THE STATE OF MONTANA SHALL MAINTAIN A FISCAL EFFORT EQUIVALENT TO AT LEAST 80% OF THE FEDERALLY CALCULATED MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT NECESSARY TO DRAW DOWN THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES BLOCK GRANT."
Section 20. Section 53-4-212, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-212. Department to make rules. (1) The department shall make rules and take action as necessary or desirable for the administration of the aid to families with dependent children FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND OTHER PROGRAMS FUNDED UNDER THE temporary assistance for needy families program, including the FAIM project BLOCK GRANT.
(2) The department shall adopt rules that may include but are not limited to rules concerning:
(a) eligibility requirements, including gross and net income limitations, resource limitations, and income and resource exclusions;
(b) amounts of assistance and methods for computing benefit amounts;
(c) what constitutes deprivation of parental support or care sufficient to qualify a child as dependent;
(d)(c) the degree of kinship required for a person to qualify as a specified caretaker relative in order to be eligible for assistance;
(e)(d) procedures and policies for employment and training programs, requirements for participation in the JOBS program employment and training programs, and exemptions, if any, from those participation requirements;
(f) procedures and policies of the JOBS program;
(g) special requirements or criteria applicable to participants in the FAIM project, such as:
(i) community service
(e) requirements for specified caretaker relatives participating in the community services program, including the number of hours of community service work per month and other terms of performance;
(ii)(f) eligibility for and terms and conditions of child-care assistance for FAIM project participants, including maximum amounts of assistance payable and amounts of copayments required by specified caretaker relatives;
(iii)(g) maximum amounts of one-time only cash payments for special employment-related needs and the length of time that a family is required to remain off cash assistance after a payment is received;
(iv)(h) exemptions from time limits in pathways AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM;
(v)(i) terms of a specified caretaker relative's or other family member's ineligibility for assistance because of failure to enter into a family investment agreement or to comply with the specified caretaker relative's individual's obligations under the agreement, including the length of the period of ineligibility;
(vi)(j) requirements, if any, for participation in and exemptions from participation in and procedures and policies of the employment and training demonstration project; and
(vii)(k) eligibility for and terms and conditions of extended child-care and medical assistance benefits;
(h)(l) reporting requirements; and
(i)(m) sanctions, disqualification, or other penalties for failure to comply with the program rules or requirements;
(n) exemptions from the 60-month limitation on assistance provided in 53-4-231 based on hardship or for families that include an individual who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty, as defined in section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 608, including but not limited to the duration of the exemption;
(o) individuals who must be included as members of an assistance unit;
(p) categories of aliens who may receive assistance, if any;
(q) requirements relating to the assignment of child and medical support rights and cooperation in establishing paternity and obtaining child and medical support;
(r) requirements for eligibility and other terms and conditions of emergency assistance OTHER PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN AND PRESERVE FAMILIES;
(s) special eligibility or participation requirements applicable to teenage parents, if any; and
(t) conditions under which assistance may be continued when a dependent child is temporarily absent from the home and the length of time for which assistance may be continued."
Section 21. Section 53-4-214, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-214. Distribution of copies of law and forms by department. The department shall have printed and shall distribute copies of this part to all county welfare departments and shall prescribe the form of and print and supply to the county welfare department blanks of applications, reports, and such other forms as that may be necessary in relation to aid to families with dependent children the FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER PROGRAMS FUNDED UNDER THE temporary assistance for needy families program BLOCK GRANT."
Section 22. Section 53-4-221, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-221. County department charged with local administration. The county department of public welfare shall be is charged with the local administration and supervision of aid to families with dependent children PROGRAMS FUNDED UNDER the temporary assistance for needy families program BLOCK GRANT, subject to the powers, duties, and functions prescribed for the county department in chapter 2 of this title."
Section 23. Section 53-4-231, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-231. Eligibility. (1) Assistance shall Subject to the provisions of subsections (2) through (5), assistance may be granted under this part to any dependent child, as defined in 53-4-201, who is in need of such assistance.:
(b) a specified caretaker relative or relatives, including but is not limited to the natural or adoptive parents of a dependent child;
(d) persons under 18 years of age who live in the home with a dependent child, including but not limited to siblings related to the dependent child by blood, marriage, or adoption or by law;
(2)(e) Aid to families with dependent children assistance payments may be made to a needy pregnant woman with no other children who is receiving such payments. Payments may begin no earlier than the third month prior to the month in which the child is expected to be born.
(3) Aid to families with dependent children shall be granted to or for the care of children of unemployed parents who would not otherwise be entitled to such aid because the child is living in the home with both parents. The department may adopt rules to administer the grant of assistance to children of unemployed parents pursuant to Title IV, section 407, of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 607), as amended.
(3) The following are not eligible for assistance:
(b) a dependent child who is or is expected to be absent from the home of the specified caretaker relative continuously for a period of time prescribed by the department by rule;
(c) a specified caretaker relative who fails to notify the department that a dependent child is expected to be absent from the specified caretaker relative's home for a period of time equal to or exceeding the period of time established by the department by rule by the end of the 5-day period that begins with the date that it becomes clear to the specified caretaker relative that the child will be absent for the specified period COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING THE ABSENCE OF A DEPENDENT CHILD FROM THE SPECIFIED CARETAKER RELATIVE'S HOME AS PRESCRIBED BY THE DEPARTMENT BY RULE;
(e) teenage parents who fail or refuse to attend secondary school or another training program as required by the department by rule;
(f) teenage parents who are not living in an adult-supervised setting as defined by the department by rule;
(g) a fugitive felon or probation or parole violator as defined in section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 608;
(h) individuals who have fraudulently misrepresented their place of residence, as defined in section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 608, for a period of 10 years beginning on the date of conviction; and
(i) an individual convicted AFTER AUGUST 22, 1996, of any offense that is classified as a felony and that has as an element the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance as defined in section 102(6) of the Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. 802(6).
(4) A family is not eligible for assistance if the family includes an adult who has received assistance in A PROGRAM FUNDED UNDER the temporary assistance for needy families program BLOCK GRANT in any state or states for 60 months or more, whether or not the months are consecutive, except as provided by the department by rule in accordance with section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 608.
(5) This part may not be interpreted to entitle any individual or family to assistance under PROGRAMS FUNDED BY the temporary assistance for needy families program BLOCK GRANT."
Section 24. Section 53-4-233, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-233. Investigation of applications. Whenever a county department receives an application for assistance under this part, an investigation shall must be promptly made. The investigation of each application for aid to families with dependent children shall be conducted by the county department of public welfare. Each applicant shall must be informed of his the applicant's right to a fair hearing and of the confidential nature of information secured with regard to his circumstances. Upon completion of an investigation, aid shall must be furnished promptly to all eligible persons. Each applicant shall must receive written notice of the decision concerning his application the applicant's request for assistance."
Section 25. Section 53-4-241, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-241. Amount of assistance determined by department rules. The amount of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE granted in any case, including cases in which the recipient is participating in the FAIM project, must be determined according to the rules and standards of assistance established by the department, as required by the federal Social Security Act."
Section 26. Section 53-4-246, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-246. County share of participation. Each county where the recipient of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE resides shall reimburse the department of public health and human services in the amount of 22.5% equal to the percentage of the approved aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families grants, exclusive of the not paid with federal share temporary assistance for needy families program funds."
Section 27. Section 53-4-247, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-247. County liability when recipient moves to another county. A recipient of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE who moves to another county in the state shall continue to receive assistance. The county that the recipient moves to shall must be charged by the department for the county share of assistance. The county that a recipient moves from shall notify the county that the recipient moves to."
Section 28. Section 53-4-248, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-248. Parents liable to department for aid to families with dependent children public assistance payments. (1) A payment of public assistance money made to or for the benefit of a dependent child creates a debt due and owing to the department by the natural or adoptive parents who are legally responsible for the support of the child by statute or court decree in an amount equal to the amount of public assistance paid. However, where the support obligation is based upon a court decree, the debt is limited to the amount of the court decree.
(2) The department is subrogated to the right of the child or person having the care, custody, and control of the child to prosecute any support action or execute any administrative remedy existing under the laws of the state to obtain reimbursement of any money thus expended. If a court decree enters judgment for an amount of support to be paid by an obligor parent, the department is subrogated to the debt created by the order and the money judgment is in favor of the department. No An obligee may not commence an action to recover support due and owing to him the obligee without first filing an affidavit with the court stating whether he the obligee has received public assistance from any source and, if he the obligee has received public assistance, that he the obligee has notified the department in writing of the pending action.
(3) In no case may a A debt arising under this section may not be incurred by or collected from a parent or other person while he the parent or other person is the recipient of public assistance money for the benefit of minor dependent children.
(4) The remedies herein provided in this section are in addition to and not in lieu of existing common law and statutory law.
(5) The department or its legal representatives may, at any time consistent with the income, earning capacity, and resources of the debtor, petition the court having jurisdiction over the particular case to set or reset a level and schedule of payments to be paid upon the debt."
Section 29. Section 53-4-601, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-601. Demonstration project -- purpose. (1) The department is authorized to administer a demonstration project pursuant to section 1115 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1315, to provide assistance under Title IV of that act, 42 U.S.C. 601, et seq., to families who are currently receiving, eligible for, or at risk of becoming eligible for aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. This demonstration project may be cited as the families achieving independence in Montana (FAIM) project.
(2) The purpose of the demonstration project is to promote self-sufficiency and responsibility of participants by providing supports and incentives, such as child-care assistance, training, education, medical assistance, and resource referrals, and to make procedures and requirements less complex and more uniform in the aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, food stamp, and medicaid programs."
Section 30. Section 53-4-602, MCA, is amended to read:
(1) "Cash assistance" means monetary payments to a recipient of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE to meet basic needs, such as shelter, utilities, clothing, and personal needs.
(4) "FAIM project" means the families achieving independence in Montana project, including an aid to families with dependent children a temporary assistance for needy families program FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE part established in 53-4-603, a food stamp part administered under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, 7 U.S.C. 2026, and a medicaid part administered pursuant to the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1315.
(5) "JOBS program" means the job opportunities and basic skills training program established in 53-4-703."
Section 31. Section 53-4-603, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-603. FAIM project -- components. (1) The aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families program FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE part of the FAIM project consists of three components referred to as the job supplement program, pathways, and the community services program.
(2) The job supplement program is an alternative to the components of the FAIM project that provide cash assistance. An eligible family may receive assistance under the job supplement program instead of receiving assistance under pathways or the community services program or may receive assistance under the job supplement program either prior to or after receiving assistance under pathways or the community services program.
(3) Services that may be provided to eligible individuals in the job supplement program include:
(a) full medicaid benefits for dependent children, as provided in 53-6-101, and basic medicaid benefits for specified caretaker relatives, as provided in 53-6-101, if pursuant to waivers of federal law that are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services that permit limited benefits. However, a specified caretaker relative who is pregnant is entitled to full medicaid benefits.
(b) child-care assistance, as provided in 53-4-611 and as specified by the department by rule;
(c) assistance in obtaining child support; and
(d) a one-time only cash payment to meet special employment-related needs of the family. In order to receive a one-time cash payment, the family is required to agree not to apply for or receive cash assistance for a period of time based on the size of the one-time cash payment received.
(4) (a) Pathways may provide eligible individuals with job training and education; resource referrals; assistance in obtaining child support; one-time cash payments for special employment-related needs; child-care assistance, as provided in 53-4-611 and as specified by department rule; cash assistance payments; supportive services, if funding is available; full medicaid benefits for dependent children, as provided in 53-6-101; and basic medicaid benefits for specified caretaker relatives, as provided in 53-6-101, if pursuant to waivers of federal law that are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services that permit limited benefits. However, a specified caretaker relative who is pregnant is entitled to full medicaid benefits.
(b) A specified caretaker relative in either a single-parent family or a two-parent family may receive assistance under pathways for a maximum of 24 months, subject to the 60-month TIME limitation on assistance provided in 53-4-231. The 24 months do not need to be consecutive.
(c) Specified caretaker relatives in a two-parent family may receive assistance under pathways for a maximum of 18 months. The 18 months do not need to be consecutive.
(5) (a) In the community services program, a specified caretaker relative who has received the maximum number of 24 months of assistance allowable under pathways may continue to receive assistance for the specified caretaker relative's needs for an additional 36 months OR LONGER PERIOD, AS SPECIFIED BY DEPARTMENT RULE, if the specified caretaker relative performs community service work as required by the department, subject to the 60-month TIME limitation on assistance provided in 53-4-231.
(b) A specified caretaker relative who performs community service work as required is entitled to cash assistance for the specified caretaker relative's needs and basic medicaid benefits, as provided in 53-6-101, if pursuant to waivers of federal law that are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services that permit limited benefits. However, a specified caretaker relative who is pregnant is entitled to full medicaid benefits.
(c) Job training and education, resource referrals, and assistance in obtaining child support may also be provided if determined by the department to be appropriate. Child-care assistance may be provided to participants in the community services program as set forth in 53-4-611 and as specified by department rule.
(6) Failure of a caretaker relative to participate in community service work as required must result in the needs of the specified caretaker relative being removed from the cash assistance payment.
(7) A dependent child who meets all eligibility requirements for aid to families with dependent children may receive assistance under any component of the FAIM project without any time limits. temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE is not subject to the time limits on assistance in pathways and the community services program that are provided for specified caretaker relatives in this section. However, a dependent child may be ineligible for temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE because of the 60-month limitation on assistance provided in 53-4-231.
(8) The department shall furnish workers' compensation coverage, as provided in 39-71-118, for recipients in any component of the FAIM project who perform community service work or who participate in a work experience program."
Section 32. Section 53-4-606, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-606. Requirements for eligibility. (1) Eligibility for aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE under the FAIM project with regard to income, resources, and all other factors of eligibility must be determined in accordance with the waivers granted by the U.S. secretary of health and human services under section 1115 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1315.
(2) If waivers of federal law are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services, two-parent families applying for or receiving aid to families with dependent children benefits under the FAIM project based on the unemployment of one parent may not be required to meet the special eligibility requirements of section 407 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 607.
(3)(2) (a) As a condition of eligibility for assistance under pathways and the community services program, all specified caretaker relatives and other family members, as specified by the department by rule, shall enter into a family investment agreement with the department and shall comply with the terms of that agreement. Entering into an agreement is not a condition of eligibility for the job supplement program.
(b) The family investment agreement must set forth the mutual obligations of the specified caretaker relative participant and the department to help the family achieve the goal of self-sufficiency. The agreement may contain provisions:
(i) regarding actions to be taken by the specified caretaker relative and by the department to secure child support;
(ii) requiring that the immunization and health-screening requirements of the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program be met for all children in the family; and
(iii) specifying other services and activities appropriate for the specified caretaker relative participant or family.
(c) An individual who is required to enter into a family investment agreement and who fails without good cause to do so or fails without good cause to comply with the individual's obligations under the agreement is ineligible, as provided in 53-4-608, for aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE benefits.
(4)(3) As a condition of eligibility for the community service program, a specified caretaker relative shall perform community service work as required by the department."
Section 33. Section 53-4-607, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-607. Exemptions from time limitations in pathways and community services program. (1) Recipients of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE under the FAIM project may be exempted from the time limitations on assistance under pathways and the community services program contained in 53-4-603 as provided by the department by rule.
(c) The individual does not have necessary state-paid child care available.
(d) The individual is attending high school or is working toward a graduate equivalency diploma, if the individual is under 20 18 years of age.
(g) The individual is a teenage parent receiving assistance in the individual's own name and participating in activities pursuant to a family investment agreement.
(j) The individual is a victim of domestic violence as defined by the department by rule."
Section 34. Section 53-4-608, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-608. Ineligibility because of Sanction for RESULTS OF failure to comply with terms of agreement. If an individual is required to enter into a family investment agreement pursuant to 53-4-606 and fails without good cause either to enter into an agreement or, THE INDIVIDUAL IS INELIGIBLE FOR FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A FAMILY INVESTMENT AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO 53-4-606 AND FAILS WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE to comply with the individual's obligations under the agreement, the individual is ineligible for aid to families with dependent children benefits must be sanctioned for a period of time specified by the department by rule and the needs of the individual may not be taken into consideration in determining the assistance unit's amount of cash assistance. However, the family of an ineligible a sanctioned individual is entitled to assistance for its own needs if it is otherwise eligible. The income and resources of the individual must be considered in determining the family's eligibility for assistance during the period of ineligibility that the individual is sanctioned."
Section 35. Section 53-4-609, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-609. Categorical eligibility for other assistance. All recipients RECIPIENTS of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE under a component of the FAIM project are NOT categorically eligible for food stamp benefits and the low-income energy assistance program, regardless of whether they would otherwise meet BUT ARE ELIGIBLE ONLY IF THEY SATISFY all the eligibility requirements for those programs, unless otherwise prohibited by federal law."
Section 36. Section 53-4-611, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-611. Child-care assistance. (1) In the job supplement program component of the FAIM project, the department shall may provide child-care assistance to all single-parent families if child care is necessary to allow the parent to engage in paid employment and if funding is available. Child-care assistance may, at the department's discretion, be provided to two-parent families if child care is necessary to allow either or both parents to engage in paid employment and if funding is available.
(2) In the pathways component of the FAIM project, the department shall may provide child-care assistance to all single-parent families if child care is necessary to allow the parent to participate in an activity required by the family investment agreement and if funding is available. However, child-care assistance for single-parent families to enable the parent to participate in postsecondary education is not guaranteed and may be provided only if funding is available. Child-care assistance may, at the department's discretion, be provided to two-parent families if child care is necessary to allow either or both of the parents to participate in an activity required by the family investment agreement and if funding is available.
(3) In the community services program component of the FAIM project, the department shall may provide child-care assistance to all single-parent families if child care is necessary to allow the parent to participate in an activity required by the family investment agreement and if funding is available. Child-care assistance may, at the department's discretion, be provided to two-parent families if child care is necessary to allow either or both of the parents to participate in an activity required by the family investment agreement and if funding is available."
Section 37. Section 53-4-612, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-612. Extended child care and medical assistance benefits. A family receiving aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE benefits under a component of the FAIM project that loses eligibility for assistance because of increased income from any source may receive extended child care and medical assistance benefits if funding is available, provided that the family's income does not exceed a percentage of the federal poverty level specified by the department by rule, and may receive child-care assistance pursuant to 53-4-611 if funding is available."
Section 38. Section 53-4-613, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-613. JOBS program Employment and training program. (1) In cases in which the department determines that participation in the JOBS program employment and training program would be appropriate for a participant in pathways, the participant may be required to participate in the JOBS program employment and training as one of the conditions of the participant's family investment agreement.
(2) If waivers of federal law are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services, the exemptions from participation in the JOBS program provided in section 201 of the federal Family Support Act of 1988, 42 U.S.C. 602(a)(19), may not apply to recipients of aid to families with dependent children benefits who are participating in the FAIM employment and training demonstration project."
Section 39. Section 53-4-701, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-701. Purpose. It is the purpose of this part to establish a program, consistent with the provisions of the federal Family Support Act of 1988, to assure that recipients of the aid to families with dependent children program obtain component of the pathways program that:
(1) provides recipients of temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE with the education, training, and employment services needed to avoid long-term welfare dependency; and
(2) complies with the participation requirements established in section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 607."
Section 40. Section 53-4-702, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-702. Definitions. As used in this part, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Aid to families with dependent children" has the same meaning as provided in 53-4-201.
(2) "FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE" MEANS THE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES PARTICIPANTS IN THE JOB SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM, PATHWAYS PROGRAM, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM OF THE FAIM PROJECT WITH BENEFITS THAT MAY INCLUDE CASH PAYMENTS, SERVICES, AND NONCASH ASSISTANCE.
(3)(2)(3) "FAIM project" means the families achieving independence in Montana project as established in 53-4-601.
(4) "Family Support Act of 1988" means the federal Family Support Act of 1988, Public Law 100-485, as amended.
(5) "JOBS program" or "program" means the job opportunities and basic skills training program established in 53-4-703.
(3) "Temporary assistance for needy families" has the meaning provided in 53-4-201."
Section 41. Section 53-4-703, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-703. JOBS program Employment and training program established -- purpose. (1) The department shall establish and administer a job opportunities and basic skills training (JOBS) program that meets the requirements of section 201 of the federal Family Support Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(19), 681 through 686) an intensive employment and training program in accordance with the requirements of section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 607.
(2) The purpose of the program is to provide recipients of aid to families with dependent children the education, training, and employment that will help them avoid long-term welfare dependency."
Section 42. Section 53-4-705, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-705. Services and activities. (1) Under the program provided for in 53-4-703, the department shall make available a broad range of services and activities to assist recipients of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE as specified by the department by rule. Such services and activities may include:
(a) appropriate educational activities, including:
(i) high school education or its equivalent, combined with training as needed;
(ii) basic and remedial education to help participants achieve a basic literacy level; and
(iii) education for individuals with limited English language proficiency;
(b) job skills training;
(c) job readiness activities to help prepare participants for work;
(d) job development and job placement;
(e) group and individual job search activities as provided for in 42 U.S.C. 682(g);
(f) on-the-job training;
(g) work supplementation programs as provided for in 42 U.S.C. 682(e); and
(h) community work experience programs as provided for in 42 U.S.C. 682(f).
(2) In addition to the services and activities provided in subsection (1), the department may offer to participants under the program:
(a) postsecondary education in appropriate cases; and
(b) such other education, training, and employment activities as may be determined necessary."
Section 43. Section 53-4-706, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-706. Participation requirements. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section and 53-4-707, the department may require individuals to participate in the JOBS employment and training program as a condition of their eligibility for aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
(2) To the extent that the program is available and that state resources permit, the department shall:
(a) require recipients of aid to families with dependent children who are not participating in the FAIM project and with respect to whom the state guarantees child care in accordance with section 402(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(g)) to participate in the program;
(b) require recipients of aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE who are participating in either the pathways or community service program component of the FAIM project to participate in the program if the department determines that it is an appropriate activity for the recipient and includes participation as a condition of the recipient's family investment agreement; and
(c) allow applicants for and recipients of aid to families with dependent children who are not required under subsection (2)(a) to participate in the program to do so on a voluntary basis."
Section 44. Section 53-4-717, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-4-717. Sanctions. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an individual who without good cause fails to participate in the JOBS program as required or who without good cause refuses to accept suitable employment shall lose eligibility for aid to families with dependent children as provided in 42 U.S.C. 602(a)(19)(G).
(2) If an individual receiving aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE under the FAIM project is required to participate in the JOBS employment and training program as a condition of the individual's family investment agreement and fails without good cause to participate, the individual must be sanctioned in accordance with rules established by the department."
Section 45. Section 53-6-101, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-6-101. Montana medicaid program -- authorization of services. (1) There is a Montana medicaid program established for the purpose of providing necessary medical services to eligible persons who have need for medical assistance. The Montana medicaid program is a joint federal-state program administered under this chapter and in accordance with Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396, et seq., as may be amended. The department of public health and human services shall administer the Montana medicaid program.
(2) Medical assistance provided by the Montana medicaid program includes the following services:
(j) services that are provided by physician assistants-certified within the scope of their practice and that are otherwise directly reimbursed as allowed under department rule to an existing provider;
(k) health services provided under a physician's orders by a public health department; and
(l) federally qualified health center services, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2).
(3) Medical assistance provided by the Montana medicaid program may, as provided by department rule, also include the following services:
(f) mental health center services administered and funded under a state mental health program authorized under Title 53, chapter 21, part 2;
(n) case management services as provided in 42 U.S.C. 1396d(a) and 1396n(g), including targeted case management services for the mentally ill;
(o) inpatient psychiatric services for persons under 21 years of age, as provided in 42 U.S.C. 1396d(h), in a residential treatment facility, as defined in 50-5-101, that is licensed in accordance with 50-5-201; and
(p) any additional medical service or aid allowable under or provided by the federal Social Security Act.
(4) Services for persons qualifying for medicaid under the medically needy category of assistance as described in 53-6-131 may be more limited in amount, scope, and duration than services provided to others qualifying for assistance under the Montana medicaid program. The department is not required to provide all of the services listed in subsections (2) and (3) to persons qualifying for medicaid under the medically needy category of assistance.
(5) If In accordance with waivers of federal law that are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services, the department of public health and human services may implement limited medicaid benefits, to be known as basic medicaid, for adult recipients who are eligible because they are receiving aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-4-702, as the specified caretaker relative of a dependent child under the FAIM project and for all adult recipients of medical assistance only who are covered under a group related to aid to families with dependent children the temporary assistance for needy families program OF FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-4-702. Basic medicaid benefits consist of all mandatory services listed in subsections (2)(a) through (2)(l) but may include those optional services listed in subsections (3)(a) through (3)(p) that the department in its discretion specifies by rule. The department, in exercising its discretion, may consider the amount of funds appropriated by the legislature for the FAIM project and whether the provision of a particular service is commonly covered by private health insurance plans. However, a recipient who is pregnant, MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR DISABILITY PROVIDED IN TITLE II OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, 42 U.S.C. 416, ET SEQ., OR IS LESS THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE is entitled to full medicaid coverage.
(6) The department may implement, as provided for in Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396, et seq., as may be amended, a program under medicaid for payment of medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for persons not otherwise eligible for medicaid.
(7) The department may set rates for medical and other services provided to recipients of medicaid and may enter into contracts for delivery of services to individual recipients or groups of recipients.
(8) The services provided under this part may be only those that are medically necessary and that are the most efficient and cost-effective.
(9) The amount, scope, and duration of services provided under this part must be determined by the department in accordance with Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396, et seq., as may be amended.
(10) Services, procedures, and items of an experimental or cosmetic nature may not be provided.
(11) If available funds are not sufficient to provide medical assistance for all eligible persons, the department may set priorities to limit, reduce, or otherwise curtail the amount, scope, or duration of the medical services made available under the Montana medicaid program.
(12) Community-based medicaid services, as provided for in part 4 of this chapter, must be provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter.
(13) Medicaid payment for personal-care facilities may not be made unless the department certifies to the director of the governor's office of budget and program planning that payment to this type of provider would, in the aggregate, be a cost-effective alternative to services otherwise provided."
Section 46. Section 53-6-113, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-6-113. Department to adopt rules. (1) The department of public health and human services shall adopt appropriate rules necessary for the administration of the Montana medicaid program as provided for in this part and as may be required by federal laws and regulations governing state participation in medicaid under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396, et seq., as amended.
(2) The department shall adopt rules as are necessary to further define for the purposes of this part the services provided under 53-6-101 and to provide that services being used are medically necessary and that the services are the most efficient and cost-effective available. The rules may establish the amount, scope, and duration of services provided under the Montana medicaid program, including the items and components constituting the services.
(3) The department shall establish by rule the rates for reimbursement of services provided under this part. The department may in its discretion set rates of reimbursement that it determines necessary for the purposes of the program. In establishing rates of reimbursement, the department may consider but is not limited to considering:
(a) the availability of appropriated funds;
(b) the actual cost of services;
(c) the quality of services;
(d) the professional knowledge and skills necessary for the delivery of services; and
(e) the availability of services.
(4) The department shall specify by rule those professionals who may deliver or direct the delivery of particular services.
(5) The department may provide by rule for payment by a recipient of a portion of the reimbursements established by the department for services provided under this part.
(6) The department may adopt rules consistent with this part to govern eligibility for the Montana medicaid program. Rules may include but are not limited to financial standards and criteria for income and resources, treatment of resources, nonfinancial criteria, family responsibilities, residency, application, termination, definition of terms, and confidentiality of applicant and recipient information, and cooperation with the state agency administering the child support enforcement program under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 651, et seq.
(7) The department may adopt rules limiting eligibility based on criteria more restrictive than that provided in 53-6-131 if required by Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396, et seq., as may be amended, or if funds appropriated are not sufficient to provide medical care for all eligible persons.
(8) The department may adopt rules necessary for the administration of medicaid managed-care systems. Rules to be adopted may include but are not limited to rules concerning:
(a) participation in managed care;
(b) selection and qualifications for providers of managed care; and
(c) standards for the provision of managed care.
(9) (a) The department shall establish by rule income limits for eligibility for extended medical assistance of persons receiving aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FROM FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-4-702, as participants of the FAIM project who lose eligibility because of increased income, as provided in 53-6-134, and shall also establish by rule the length of time for which extended medical assistance will be provided. The department, in exercising its discretion to set income limits and duration of assistance, may consider the amount of funds appropriated by the legislature for the FAIM project.
(b) Notwithstanding Title 53, chapter 2, part 9, and Title 53, chapter 4, part 6, it is the intent of the legislature that rules may not be adopted except to implement the waiver granted by the U.S. secretary of health and human services under section 1115 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1315, and to implement the FAIM program. Rules may not implement any other program or programs that may result because of federal welfare reform unless the rules are required for compliance with federal law."
Section 47. Section 53-6-131, MCA, is amended to read:
(a) The person receives or is considered to be receiving supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1381, et seq., and does not have income or resources in excess of the applicable medical assistance limits or aid to families with dependent children receive temporary assistance for needy families FROM FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-4-702, benefits under Title IV of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 601, et seq.
(d) The person is under 19 years of age and meets the conditions of eligibility in the state plan for aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families state plan, AS DEFINED IN 53-4-201, other than with respect to age and school attendance.
(5) If In accordance with waivers of federal law that are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services, the department of public health and human services may grant eligibility for basic medicaid benefits as described in 53-6-101 to an individual receiving aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-4-702, as the specified caretaker relative of a dependent child under the FAIM project and to all adult recipients of medical assistance only who are covered under a group related to aid to families with dependent children the temporary assistance for needy families program OF FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. A recipient who is pregnant, MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR DISABILITY PROVIDED IN TITLE II OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, 42 U.S.C. 416, ET SEQ., OR IS LESS THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE is entitled to full medicaid coverage as provided in 53-6-101.
Section 48. Section 53-6-134, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-6-134. Extension of eligibility for medical assistance to persons terminated from aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families program FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. (1) In accordance with section 1925 of Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396r-6, the department of public health and human services shall provide for the extension of eligibility for medical assistance to persons who lose eligibility for aid to families with dependent children because of:
(a) increased hours or income from employment; or
(b) loss of federally prescribed earned income disregards.
(2) In providing for the extension of eligibility for medical assistance under subsection (1)(2), the department may provide for health insurance or other health coverage in accordance with subsections 1925(a)(4)(B) and 1925(b)(4)(C) of Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396r-6(a)(4)(B) and 42 U.S.C. 1396r-6(b)(4)(C), and may exercise the other options contained in section 1925 of Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396r-6, regarding the provision of medical assistance.
(3)(2) If In accordance with waivers of federal law that are granted by the secretary of the U.S. department of health and human services, the department of public health and human services may provide extended eligibility for medical assistance for a period of time established by the department by rule for persons receiving aid to families with dependent children temporary assistance for needy families benefits FAIM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS DEFINED IN 53-4-702, under the job supplement program, pathways, or community services program components of the FAIM project described in 53-4-603 who lose eligibility because of increased income from any source or because of exhausting time-limited earned income disregards, provided that the family's income does not exceed a percentage of the federal poverty level established by the department by rule. The department, in exercising its discretion to establish income standards and duration of extended medical assistance by rule, may consider the amount of funds appropriated by the legislature for the FAIM project."
NEW SECTION. Section 49. Saving clause. [This act] does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, or proceedings that were begun before [the effective date of this act].
NEW SECTION. Section 50. Repealer. Sections 39-7-601, 39-7-602, 39-7-603, 39-7-604, 39-7-605, 39-7-606, 53-4-249, 53-4-707, 53-4-708, 53-4-715, 53-4-716, 53-4-718, and 53-4-720, MCA, are repealed.