HSB 504 (LSB 5534YC (4) 89)

HOUSE FILE _____ 

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES BILL BY CHAIRPERSON MEYER)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to identity authentication requirements for public assistance benefits.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  239.1  Definitions.
   As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
   1.  “Applicant” means an individual who is applying for public assistance benefits in the state.
   2.  “Department” means the department of human services.
   3.  “Public assistance” means SNAP (the supplemental nutrition assistance program), the Medicaid program, FIP (the family investment program), and CHIP (the children’s health insurance program).
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  239.2  Identity authentication.
   Unless otherwise prohibited by federal law or regulation, prior to the department awarding public assistance benefits, an applicant shall complete a computerized identity authentication process to confirm the identity of the applicant. Identity authentication shall be accomplished through a knowledge-based questionnaire consisting of financial and personal questions. The questionnaire shall contain questions tailored to assist persons without a bank account or those who have poor access to financial and banking services or who do not have an established credit history. The questionnaire may be submitted by the applicant online, in person, or via telephone.
    Sec. 3.  NEW SECTION.  239.3  Administration —— rules —— reporting.
   1.  The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to administer this chapter.
   2.  The department shall submit a report to the governor and the general assembly by January 15, 2024, and by January 15 annually thereafter through January 15, 2025, detailing the impact of the identity authentication measures taken under this chapter.
    Sec. 4.  IMPLEMENTATION.
   1.  The department of human services shall request federal approval including for any state plan amendment or waiver necessary to administer this Act.
   2.  The provisions of this Act requiring federal approval shall be implemented upon receipt of such federal approval.
   3.  The provisions of this Act not requiring federal approval shall be implemented no later than July 1, 2023.
   4.  The department may contract with multiple third-party vendors to administer this Act.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires that prior to awarding public assistance benefits to an applicant, the applicant shall complete a computerized identity authentication process to confirm the identity of the applicant through the use of a knowledge-based questionnaire consisting of financial and personal questions tailored to assist persons without a bank account or those who have poor access to financial and banking services or who do not have an established credit history. The questionnaire may be submitted by the applicant online, in person, or via telephone. The bill requires the department of human services to adopt administrative rules to administer the bill and to submit reports to assess the impact of the bill, and includes implementation provisions.