Bill > H3209

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 18 of the General Laws by adding a new section that requires the verification of lawful permanent resident status for individuals applying for certain public assistance programs in the Commonwealth, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), and Emergency Assistance to Elders, Disabled and Children. Specifically, the bill states that benefits will not be granted to lawful permanent residents who have lived in the Commonwealth for less than five years, although waivers may be granted in cases of federally protected statuses such as self-petitioning by battered spouses, children, or parents. If a waiver is granted, the department will verify the assets of the sponsor of the lawful permanent resident, unless the applicant is applying under a federally protected status. The department will also be required to submit quarterly reports detailing the number of recipients of these programs who have less than five years of lawful permanent resident status and are receiving benefits.