SB115 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Bryan Taylor Gerald H. Allen Trip Pittman Clay Scofield Scott Beason
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), applicants for required to apply for at least three positions of unsubsidized employment, ineligibility under certain conditions, Secs.38-4-2, 38-4-4, 38-11A-2 am'd.
Summary: SB115 would change Alabama's TANF rules by counting a cohabitating partner's income in eligibility, requiring applicants to apply for at least three unsubsidized jobs, and making recipients who voluntarily quit work ineligible for cash assistance.
What This Bill Does
It amends several sections of Alabama law to include the income of a cohabiting partner when calculating TANF eligibility and grant amounts; it requires TANF applicants to apply for at least three positions of unsubsidized employment before completing the TANF application; and it states that TANF recipients who voluntarily terminate employment or refuse work without good cause will be ineligible for TANF cash assistance. The changes align Alabama's rules with federal standards for TANF eligibility and program administration, and specify how changes in a recipient's income should affect ongoing benefits.

Who It Affects
TANF applicants and their households: their eligibility and potential benefit amounts may be affected by counting a cohabiting partner's income and by the job-search requirement.
TANF recipients: those who voluntarily terminate employment or refuse suitable work without good cause could lose their cash assistance.
Cohabiting partners of TANF applicants or recipients: their income would be counted in determining eligibility and benefits.
Alabama Department of Human Resources and county departments: responsible for implementing these rules, enforcing eligibility, and adjusting grants as required.

Key Provisions
Amends 38-4-2 to include the income of a cohabiting partner (and spouse) when calculating TANF eligibility and assistance amounts.
Amends 38-4-4 to require notification and possible adjustment (continuation, reduction, or cancellation) of TANF grants if the recipient, spouse, or cohabiting partner gains income or resources after the application.
Amends 38-11A-2 to establish a welfare employment program and require applicants to apply for at least three unsubsidized positions before completing the TANF application, plus comply with job-search and employment-related activities.
Adds that TANF recipients who voluntarily terminate employment or refuse employment without good cause become ineligible for TANF cash assistance.
Section 2 requires TANF eligibility standards to conform with federal standards (Title IV, Part A).
Effective date: immediate upon passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Public Assistance