CCS#2/HS/HCS/SCS/SB 236 - This act modifies provisions relating to public assistance programs and health care.

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE - Current law allows the grant of temporary assistance benefits (TANF) on behalf of a dependent child and applies federal time limits on assistance. New language allows enrollment in post-secondary education programs to qualify as a work activity if the recipient is making progress toward completion of the program. Class time and study time will apply toward the weekly work requirement. The five-year time limit on assistance will continue to apply, unless excepted by Division rule. As of January 1, 2002, the Department of Social Services must make a detailed report on TANF to certain standing committees in the General Assembly. (Section 208.040).

New provisions under the federal Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA) are implemented. It provides that medical assistance may be provided employed persons who:

1. Are considered disabled under supplemental security income definitions or have a medically improved disability under TWWIIA; 2. Meet specific asset limits; and 3. Have an annual income of 250 percent of the federal poverty level or less. Income does not include a spouse's income, up to $100,000 or a child's income. Persons with income of 150 percent of the federal poverty level or less will pay a premium.

In determining eligibility, certain assets are excluded. Eligibility will not be affected by the maintenance of an "independent living development account" held for specific purposes. Eligibility may be affected if an individual's employer offers a more cost-effective health care plan. The Department of Social Services, however, may pay premiums and other charges for the individual and provide medical assistance as a supplemental policy. Specific premium amounts are provided, based on an individual's income. The Department may not contract for the collection of premiums, but rather shall use monthly electronic funds transfers or employer deductions.(Section 208.146).

According to Section 208.819, Medicaid eligibles in nursing homes may be eligible for a one-time transition to independence grant of up to $1500. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will administer the grants. Disability-related community organizations will have access to institutionalized individuals in order to inform them of community-based living options. This portion is substantially similar to HB 612. (Section 208.819).

ADOPTION AND GUARDIANSHIP - Placement of a child may not be delayed or denied on the basis of race, color, or national origin. This act removes the requirement in adoptive placement that consideration be given to a child's cultural, racial, or ethnic background. (Section 453.005).

Currently, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling of a child MAY receive adoption subsidies if they are a child's legal guardian. This act adds adult first cousins of the child to the eligibility list. (Section 453.072).

Current law requires Missouri to honor adoption decrees from other states and foreign countries. New language provides that foreign adoptions are recognized when the child has migrated to the United States with permission. (Section 453.170).

GRANDPARENTS AS FOSTER PARENTS - This act recodifies the Grandparents as Foster Parents Program under sections 453.320 and 453.325. This act makes the Program subject to appropriations and adds a 200 percent of the federal poverty level income restriction to Program eligibility. The Program will reimburse up to 75 percent of the current foster care payment schedule. Finally, certain Program duties become discretionary rather than mandatory. This provision is substantially similar to SB 551. (Sections 453.320 - 453.325).

CHILD CARE - This act deems any licensed child care program for school age children that is located on school property to be in compliance with safety, health, and fire regulations. (Section 1)
ERIN MOTLEY