HB3858 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 27665 KTG 54042 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB3858

Introduced 2/17/2023, by Rep. Dave Vella

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

305 ILCS 5/12-4.57 new

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to funds appropriated for the specific purpose, to assist with child-related necessities such as diapers, the Department of Human Services may make additional monthly payments to applicants with children under the age of 3 who are otherwise eligible for and receiving benefits under the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program. Requires the Department to set the benefit amounts in rule in accordance with available funds appropriated for the purpose of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Department shall make reasonable efforts to ensure timely communication to families of the new subsidy at implementation and as the diaper subsidy eligibility changes. Effective September 1, 2023.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning public aid.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by adding Section 12-4.57 as follows:

(305 ILCS 5/12-4.57 new)

Sec. 12-4.57. Diaper allowance; WIC recipients.

(a) Findings and intent.

(1) The General Assembly finds that diapers are a necessity for every infant. Additionally, the majority of early child care programs require an adequate supply of diapers for child attendance, but, with the exception of early head start, do not provide diapers to families in need.

(2) The General Assembly further finds that families unable to afford an adequate supply of diapers may provide less frequent diaper changes to their child to maximize their supply of diapers. The failure to provide adequate diaper changes is associated with an increased rate of diaper dermatitis and urinary tract infection. Further, there are links between diaper need and increased parenting stress. Children whose parents manifest high levels of stress or depression are at greater risk of social, emotional, and behavioral problems.

(3) Therefore, the General Assembly intends to reduce parenting stress and increase parenting sense of competency by directing the Department of Human Services to provide a monthly diaper subsidy to families with children under 3 years of age who are otherwise eligible for benefits under the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program, thereby improving parenting quality and overall child outcomes.

(b) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific purpose, to assist with child-related necessities such as diapers, the Department of Human Services may make additional monthly payments to applicants with children under the age of 3 who are otherwise eligible for and receiving benefits under the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program.

The Department shall set the benefit amounts in rule in accordance with available funds appropriated for this purpose. The Department shall make reasonable efforts to ensure timely communication to families of the new subsidy at implementation and as the diaper subsidy eligibility changes.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.