Amendment #98 to H3900

State-funded SNAP assistance and TAFDC benefits for non-citizens

Mr. Cabral of New Bedford moves to amend the bill in section 2 by inserting after item 4400-1001 the following item:

XXXX-XXXX For a program of nutritional assistance for non-citizen individuals the who meet the eligibility requirements for the federal supplemental nutritional assistance program established under 7 U.S.C. §2011 et seq. except for the program requirements related to immigration status or citizenship; provided further, said individuals must either be lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law;  provided further, that nutrition assistance benefits authorized under this section shall be provided at the same level and subject to the same requirements as benefits provided by the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program with the exception of the immigration status or citizenship requirements;  provided further, that the department of transitional assistance shall comprehensively screen all applicants and their dependents to ensure that those eligible for the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program receive benefits under that program; and provided further, that notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law or of this item to the contrary,75 days before implementing any eligibility or benefit changes or both to the program, the commissioner shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means and with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate a determination by the secretary of health and human services that available appropriations for said program will be insufficient to meet projected expenses and a report setting forth the basis for, and text of, such proposed changes. ……………………………………………… .$15,000,000

and futher moves to amend the bill in section 2 by inserting after item 4403-2000 the following item:

XXXX-XXXX For a program of transitional cash assistance benefits for non-citizen children, parents and pregnant women who meet the eligibility requirements of Chapter 118 of the General Laws except for the program requirements related to immigration status or citizenship; provided further, that said individuals must either be lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United State under color of law; provided further, that the cash assistance benefits authorized under this section shall be provided at the same level and subject to the same requirements as benefits provided under Chapter 118  with the exception of the immigration status or citizenship requirements;  provided further, that the department of transitional assistance shall comprehensively screen all applicants and their dependents to ensure that those eligible for cash assistance under Chapter 118 receive benefits under that program; and provided further, that notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law or of this item to the contrary, 75 days before implementing any eligibility or benefit changes or both to the program, the commissioner shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means and with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate a determination by the secretary of health and human services that available appropriations for said program will be insufficient to meet projected expenses and a report setting forth the basis for, and text of, such proposed changes.  …………………………………. $3,000,000

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #98 to H3900

State-funded SNAP assistance and TAFDC benefits for non-citizens