Bill > HR42

This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to modify how payments from Native Settlement Trusts are considered when determining eligibility for certain government assistance programs. Specifically, the bill excludes distributions or benefits from a Settlement Trust that are received by aged, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives or their descendants from being counted as income or resources for program eligibility purposes. This exclusion will be in effect for a 5-year period starting from the date of the bill's enactment. The goal appears to be protecting vulnerable Alaska Native populations by ensuring that payments from their Settlement Trusts do not disqualify them from receiving necessary support programs. The bill defines aged, blind, or disabled individuals using the existing definition in the Social Security Act, which provides a standardized framework for identifying these vulnerable populations. By preventing Settlement Trust payments from being used to calculate program eligibility, the bill aims to provide additional financial protection and support for aged, blind, and disabled Alaska Natives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/42/all-info