To amend chapter 208, RSMo, by adding three new sections relating to public assistance programs,

with a termination date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI,

AS FOLLOWS:

Section A. Chapter 208, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto three new sections to be known as sections 208.327, 208.329 and 208.331, to read as follows:

208.327. 1. The division of family services shall facilitate the efficient and timely transition of individuals receiving AFDC to increase self-sufficiency and economic independence.

2. The division shall assist individuals in the development of self-sufficiency pacts, as authorized in section 208.325, RSMo, focused on work activities which will lead to employment.

3. Work activities shall include, but not be limited to, unsubsidized employment, work supplemented employment, community work experience, on the job training, job search and job readiness assistance and job skills training directly related to employment and direct job placement.

4. Direct job placement referrals will be made when appropriate to give applicants for assistance an opportunity to secure employment quickly while remaining eligible to apply for transitional assistance.

5. The department of social services shall apply to amend the Jackson county work supplementation waiver for expansion to other areas of the state to increase availability of subsidized employment opportunities.

6. AFDC and food stamp recipients, who are required to participate in a work activity in order to retain their eligibility and who are denied employment due to failing an employer required controlled substance screening, shall have thirty days to become employed with the screening employer or obtain other employment. Denial of employment after failing a controlled substance screening and failure to become employed within thirty days of the screening shall result in a recalculation of the AFDC and food stamp benefits for the household without considering the needs of the caretaker recipient.

7. The suspension of caretaker benefits shall be imposed until the caretaker becomes employed or is actively engaged in community work experience. The recipient shall have the right to a review with the director of the division of family services or the director's designee if a sanction is imposed.

8. The director of the department of social services shall apply to the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services for waivers required to implement the provisions of this section.

208.329. 1. The departments of economic development, elementary and secondary education, higher education, labor and industrial relations and social services shall participate in the development and implementation of a statewide workforce plan. Implementation strategies will focus on providing the departments' clients with access to a broad array of workforce services.

2. The department of social services shall participate in interagency capacity building training to understand how the career center system works, what resources may be available through the collaborative agencies and the requirements of each program and how to use available information through the electronic one-stop system.

3. Field offices of the collaborative agencies will be combined when practical and in the absence of a local career center site, offices will access the automated one-stop system via electronic means.

208.331. 1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the department of social services shall have the power to adopt, amend and repeal rules and regulations necessary to implement federal mandates related to welfare to work initiatives and time lines including temporary assistance for needy families if federal monetary sanctions will be imposed before May 16, 1997, for noncompliance. Any regulation adopted pursuant to this section shall supersede any prior statute defining eligibility for public assistance benefits related to welfare to work initiatives. The department shall notify the joint committee on administrative rules of the adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary to implement federal mandates related to welfare to work initiatives and time lines including temporary assistance for needy families pursuant to the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and subject to section 536.024, RSMo. The department shall also notify the chairs of the appropriate committees of the House and Senate of the adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary to implement federal mandates related to welfare to work initiatives and time lines including temporary assistance for needy families.

2. The provisions of the section shall terminate on May 16, 1997.