This bill authored by Senator Chris McDaniel would require that adults who have applied to receive public benefits also comply with community service program requirements.
SB 2611 would initially require 20 hours of community service for applicants 18 years or older for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits (TANF). The Department of Human Services would be required to provide a monthly list of non profits that individuals can select to complete their hours.
The bill reads:
Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section or where exempted by federal law, on or after July 1, 2019, any natural person eighteen (18) years of age or older who has applied for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits shall be required to participate in a community service program administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
For anyone receiving TANF benefits that does not comply, there are also restrictions. For the first offense, they are ineligible of receiving benefits for 90 days, the second 180 days and for the third, the adult will lose benefits for a year.
These requirements are not mandatory for children under 18 in school or working.
Sarah Ulmer
