House of Representatives

HB 2208

state archives building

(NOW: social assistance programs; appropriations)

Sponsors: Representatives Huffman, Carruthers, Miranda, Allen, et al

 

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Committee on PIRA

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Committee on Appropriations

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Caucus and COW

This bill as transmitted to the Governor contains an Appropriation clause.

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As Transmitted to the Governor

 

HB 2208 contains numerous changes to the Department of Economic Security (DES) by adding and amending current programs.

 

Provisions

·          States that if the kinship foster care parent caring for a child is a grandparent, then DES shall pay TANF cash assistance payments no greater than $250.

·          Stipulates that the $250 payment shall include any TANF cash assistance payments.

·          Requires DES to contract with providers to establish and operate out-of-school programs for youths throughout Arizona that are offered to youths free or for a minimal cost.  At least one rural and one urban community shall be chosen for the program.

·          Defines the terms department, individual development account (IDA), out-of-school program, program, provider and youth.

·          Requires DES to give contracting priority for programs in communities with high rates of teen pregnancy, violence and delinquency, and in which a high percentage of the school children receive free or reduced price lunches.

·          States that the contract proposals shall contain at a minimum:

·          A basis for determining if the program activities are innovative and incorporate best practices.

·          A plan to make the program self-sustaining in three years.

·          Terminates all contracts after June 30, 2004 unless an earlier date is determined.

·          Requires the provider to collaborate with schools, local businesses, child care programs, public and private agencies, parents and other concerned citizens to:

·          Maximize the programs' impact.

·          Identify youths who have received a negative pregnancy test or who have siblings who are either pregnant or parenting youths.  The provider must conduct outreach activities to any youths that are identified through this process.

·          Provide activities for siblings of youths who participate in the program.

·          Lists the program requirements.

·          Requires the provider to provide transportation between the program site and a youth's home or school.

·          Allows a program to provide a youth with an IDA or non-monetary incentives to participate in the program.

·          Requires the program to be offered in a safe, structured and supervised environment.

·          Requires the provider to provide adequate training to all staff and volunteers who supervise activities.

·          Prohibits groups larger than 30 youths.

·          Prohibits an adult program staff member or trained adult volunteer from supervising more than 13 youths in any program activity.

·          Allows a youth to work with younger children under adult supervision.

·          Requires DES to contract with a person to annually evaluate the programs.

·          Lists the required information to be collected by the evaluator.

·          Repeals the out-of-school programs after December 31, 2004.

·          Expands the Wheels-to-Work Program (Program) to be offered statewide.

·          Removes the term donated in reference to vehicles eligible for the Program.

·          Allows the private entity to purchase vehicles for the Program, but the private entity is responsible for any damage, repair, emissions compliance, vehicle insurance and safety of the vehicle.

·          Declares that the private entity is not eligible for either current tax credit offered in the Program if the private entity purchases a vehicle.

·          Decreases the duration of the Program from twelve months to six months.

·          Requires DES to certify to the private entity that all other methods of assisting the person with public or private transportation were explored and that no other method of transportation is feasible.

·          Clarifies that after the six month period is over, the qualified recipient shall receive the vehicle if the person has complied with the terms of the lease.

·          Declares that a qualified individual shall maintain residency in Arizona or return the vehicle.

·          Contains an effective date of June 30, 2001 for the Program.

·          Requires, beginning December 31, 2001, an annual audit of the Arizona Works Program by the Auditor General.  Reports shall be provided to the Governor and the Legislature.

·          Appropriates $500,000 in each of the FYs 2001-02 and 2002-03 from the TANF block grant to DES for kinship foster care payments.

·          Appropriates $4,000,000 in FY 2001-02 from the TANF block grant to DES for out-of-school programs.  No more than three per cent of these monies may be used for administrative purposes, including the evaluations.

·          Exempts the appropriation from lapsing except that any monies remaining unencumbered or unexpended on June 30, 2004 revert to the TANF block grant.

·          Appropriates $212,000 from the state general fund and $398,000 from the TANF block grant in FY 2001-02 to DES for distribution to the Hopi Tribe for the start-up and operational costs for the Hopi office for child support and Hopi TANF programs.

·          Allows the monies to be used for the next two fiscal years and that future federal funding shall come directly from the Hopi Tribe.

·          Makes technical and conforming changes.

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·          45th Legislature                 

·          First Regular Session          2          May 15, 2001

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