H.F. 2080 (S.F. 1883) is an MFIP ineligibility and sanctions bill that made the legislative committee rounds during February. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Kurt Daudt (R-17A) and has 12 cosponsors. As of today, 2080 is waiting to be heard in the House Health and Human Service Finance Committee, but that hearing has not been scheduled as of yet. Some highlights of H.F. 2080 include:

  • Restrict EBT use to the four adjacent states
  • Reduce MFIP benefits from 60 months to 36 months
  • Prohibit those with drug convictions from receiving MFIP for 10 years (as well as for convictions prior to MFIP application)
  • Require clients to pay for a background study, which is not reimbursed if there is a drug conviction finding
  • Change MFIP client exit program from 115% to 100% of the federal poverty guideline

This bill has child welfare implications because many families in the system may be using MFIP and utilizing EBT benefits. These benefits often act as interventions or prevention measures when it comes to child welfare, as neglect findings are frequently correlated with poverty.
We will continue to follow this bill on CASCW’s Bill Tracking and the blog!