Bill > LD1996

This bill modifies the state's general assistance program reporting requirements by removing the mandate for the Department of Health and Human Services to provide municipalities with a real-time, internet-based database for determining applicant eligibility. Specifically, the bill repeals a previous requirement for such a database and updates the department's reporting obligations. The changes affect how the department will generate biennial reports to the Legislature's joint standing committee on general assistance, removing certain data points like the length of time funds were received while maintaining other reporting metrics. The reports will continue to include information such as the number of individuals and families receiving assistance, the basic necessities funded, technical assistance requested by municipalities, department hotline call volumes, and complaint data. The bill also retains the requirement for the initial report to include recommendations about potentially extending the general assistance eligibility period beyond the current 30-day limit, and mandates the inclusion of poverty-level data and information about other public benefit program usage.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1996&snum=132