Bill > HR3156

This bill, called the "Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) for Success Act of 2025", comprehensively reforms the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program by reauthorizing federal funding through 2030 and introducing several significant changes to how states administer welfare assistance. The bill focuses on increasing workforce participation by requiring states to develop individual opportunity plans for each work-eligible recipient, which include personal responsibility agreements, employment goals, and job counseling services. It introduces a new performance accountability system that measures states based on employment exit rates, job retention, earnings, and educational attainment, with potential financial penalties for states that fail to meet negotiated performance targets. The legislation also aims to target funds more strategically by prohibiting assistance to families with income above twice the poverty line, requiring states to spend at least 25% of grant funds on core activities like work supports and job training, and restricting administrative spending. Additionally, the bill adds poverty reduction as an explicit program purpose, strengthens program integrity by measuring improper payments, and includes provisions to promote marriage, provide transitional benefits for employed individuals, and support noncustodial parents. The changes would take effect on October 1, 2026, giving states time to prepare for the new requirements.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3156/all-info