SB294 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Public assistance, certain eligibility requirements for TANF and SNAP revised, fraud detection measures required

Summary

SB 294 would tighten eligibility rules and add stronger fraud detection for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid in Alabama, including a 36-month TANF cash limit and new work, residency, and verification requirements.

What This Bill Does

It would remove SNAP categorical eligibility and require SNAP applicants to cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Division. It sets a 36-month lifetime limit on TANF cash payments and directs agencies to look for fraud by tracking out-of-state purchases and large or frequent purchases, while monitoring replacement EBT card activity. It expands eligibility verification and data sharing for SNAP and Medicaid, adds semi-annual reviews and dispute procedures, and introduces work requirements for Medicaid under certain conditions, with the possibility of state plan amendments or waivers and rulemaking authority.

Who It Affects

• SNAP recipients who would no longer have categorical eligibility, must cooperate with Child Support, and face increased monitoring and residency checks.
• TANF recipients who face a 36-month lifetime cash limit, potential suspension for not cooperating with fraud investigations, and enhanced fraud monitoring and out-of-state purchase reviews.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits SNAP categorical eligibility for non-cash benefits and requires cooperation with the Child Support Enforcement Division for SNAP eligibility.
• Imposes a 36-month lifetime limit on TANF cash payments, with certain federal exceptions.
• Requires DHR to identify out-of-state TANF/SNAP purchases and establish benchmarks to trigger residency reviews and fraud detection.
• Mandates monitoring of replacement EBT card requests, with an office visit after the fourth request and automatic review for additional replacements.
• Allows suspension of TANF cash payments for failure to cooperate with fraud investigations and requires adequate fraud staff.
• Requires Medicaid Agency and DHR to implement eligibility and fraud detection measures for SNAP and Medicaid, with referrals to district attorneys and regular reporting to the Legislature.
• Establishes semi-annual eligibility verification for SNAP and Medicaid and outlines dispute procedures for findings.
• Creates work requirements for Medicaid eligibility under certain conditions and authorizes state plan amendments or waivers and rulemaking.
• Requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on the effectiveness, savings, and other outcomes of the eligibility verification measures.

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