summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public assistance generally, so as to provide for the submission of a waiver request by the Department of Human Services to permit the recipients of certain public assistance benefits to use such benefits for the purpose of purchasing diapers or menstrual hygiene products if the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service makes such waiver available to states; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Dignity is Essential Act", proposes to authorize the Georgia Department of Human Services to submit a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service if a waiver becomes available that would allow recipients of certain public assistance benefits, specifically those from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), to use their benefits to purchase essential personal care items like diapers and menstrual hygiene products (including tampons, sanitary napkins, and feminine wipes). If such a waiver is made available and subsequently approved by the USDA, the Department of Human Services would be required to adopt the necessary rules and make required changes to implement the waiver. The bill aims to provide additional flexibility for low-income individuals and families in using public assistance benefits to meet basic hygiene needs that are often not covered by existing food assistance programs.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 01/15/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69305 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/229804 |
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