SB 101 "An Act relating to eligibility for and payments of public assistance; and providing for an effective date." HCS CSSB 101 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with "no recommendation" and with two fiscal impact notes by the Department of Health and Social Services, dated 4/28/94. SENATE BILL NO. 101 "An Act relating to eligibility for and payments of public assistance; and providing for an effective date." DAVID SKIDMORE, STAFF, SENATOR STEVE FRANK explained that SB 101 would amend the Interim Assistance provision (IA). He pointed out that IPA pays individuals $280 dollars a month while they await determination of eligibility for Social Security Insurance (SSI) or Adult Public Assistance (APA). Mr. Skidmore emphasized that the legislation would allow the Division of Public Assistance to return to its practice of terminating interim assistance after an initial determination of SSI ineligibility. This was the department's practice prior to the 1986 Alaska Supreme Court ruling, Morre versus Beirne. The court mandated that the state make payments during the appeal process. Mr. Skidmore observed that individuals who are eligible for SSI repay the state for interim assistance received. The legislation would require that individuals who are determined ineligible for SSI also repay the state for interim assistance. The legislation would define interim assistance owed to the state as an overpayment of public assistance. Overpayment could be recouped through garnishment of permanent fund dividend payments. Mr. Skidmore noted that the legislation directs the Division of Public Assistance to work with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in establishing consistent standards to govern the disability determination process. In response to a question by Representative Brown, Mr. Skidmore observed the intent to clarify that payments are terminated after the first determination of ineligibility. He clarified that APA and IA payments are state funded, while SSI is federally funded. Mr. Skidmore provided members with AMENDMENT 1 (copy on file). He explained that the amendment would pertain to applicability. The amendment clarifies that the legislation applies to new applications, applications pending and appeals pending at the effective date. Co-Chair Larson MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 1. Representative Brown OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION. IN FAVOR: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Grussendorf, Larson OPPOSED: Brown, Hoffman Representatives Navarre and Therriault were not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (6-2). Representative Brown provided members with AMENDMENT 2 (copy on file). She explained that the amendment would allow the Division to make an exception for hardship cases. JAN HANSEN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES observed that individuals applying for SSI must have an income below $450.0 dollars a month. She stated that eligibility is based on a physician's opinion that the individual has a disability that is and will continue to be incapacitating to the degree that they are not able to work. Mr. Skidmore spoke in opposition to the amendment. Representative Martin OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT 2. IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (4-6). Representative Brown provided members with AMENDMENT 3 (copy on file). She explained that the amendment would change "initial" to "final" in order to initiate the cut off after the final determination of SSI eligibility. She emphasized that the amendment would be consistent with the court's ruling. Representative Navarre spoke in support of Amendment 3. Representative Martin OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION. IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (4-6). Representative Martin MOVED to report HCS CSSB 101 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes. Representative Brown OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION. IN FAVOR: Grussendorf, Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson OPPOSED: Brown, Hoffman, Navarre Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (7-3). HCS CSSB 101 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with "no recommendation" and with two fiscal impact notes by the Department of Health and Social Services, dated 4/28/94.