Bill > H3139

This bill aims to promote employment and job training opportunities for recipients of transitional aid to families with dependent children (TAFDC). The key provisions are: 1. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) must create and maintain up-to-date lists of various education and training programs, including information on availability, eligibility, and job prospects, to be used by DTA applicants and recipients. 2. The definition of "work-related activities" for TAFDC recipients is expanded to include a broader range of education and training programs, such as English language learning, adult basic education, high school diploma or equivalency, vocational training, and integrated education and training. 3. The DTA must conduct screening of TAFDC applicants and recipients to identify barriers to employment, such as learning disabilities or housing/family conflicts, and must provide or refer them to appropriate education, training, or support services before denying or reducing benefits for non-compliance with work requirements. 4. The DTA must allow TAFDC recipients to request extensions of benefits before or after termination, considering factors such as availability of job opportunities, access to education/training, and significant personal/family barriers to employment. 5. The DTA may extend the duration of education or training activities that TAFDC recipients are engaged in, as long as they are making substantial progress, unless there is a good cause for lack of progress.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H3139