Bill > SB1616

This bill, by creating new provisions for section 208.009 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), aims to restrict access to certain public benefits for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, unless they meet specific definitions of eligible or qualified aliens under federal law. This includes benefits like food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and medical assistance through MO HealthNet. The bill clarifies that "public benefit" encompasses various forms of state or local government assistance, such as grants, contracts, loans, and welfare or housing benefits, but excludes postsecondary education benefits, municipal permits, and unemployment benefits. It mandates that applicants for these benefits must provide affirmative proof of their U.S. citizenship, national status, or eligible alien status, which can include documentary evidence recognized by the department of revenue or federal documents confirming lawful presence. In cases where immediate documentation is not available, applicants can sign an affidavit attesting to their status to receive temporary benefits, but failure to provide acceptable documentation within a specified period will lead to denial or termination of benefits. The bill also requires state and local agencies to verify an alien's lawful presence through federal programs like the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program and mandates that agencies consider the full income and resources of ineligible individuals when determining household benefit eligibility for programs like SNAP.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=3237688