Bill > LD1046

This bill establishes a new 180-day state residency requirement for individuals seeking municipal general assistance (GA), a social welfare program that provides financial support to low-income residents. Specifically, the bill requires applicants to prove they have been physically present in the state for at least 180 days before applying for assistance, and provides a detailed list of acceptable documentation to verify residency. Acceptable proof includes tax returns, W-2 forms, paycheck stubs, utility bills, service contracts, and government-issued documents. Importantly, the bill stipulates that post office boxes or mail drop addresses are not considered valid proof of residence. The legislation amends Maine Revised Statutes Title 22, Section 4307, by repealing an existing subsection and adding a new subsection that outlines these residency verification requirements. The goal appears to be ensuring that municipal general assistance is primarily available to long-term state residents and preventing potential abuse of the system by individuals who have recently arrived in the state.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1046&snum=132