ARC 8709C - Iowa Administrative Rules

Notice of Intended Action

Promoting awareness of the benefits of a healthy marriage, ch 48

Untitled document

ARC 8709C

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT[441]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to promoting awareness of the benefits of a healthy marriage and providing an opportunity for public comment

The Department of Health and Human Services hereby proposes to adopt new Chapter 48, “Promoting Awareness of the Benefits of a Healthy Marriage Program,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 234.6.

State or Federal Law Implemented

This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 234.6.

Purpose and Summary

These proposed rules implement the Iowa promoting awareness of the benefits of a healthy marriage program (program).This program uses federal funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant.Eligibility for this program establishes categorical eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Fiscal Impact

This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 441—Chapter 6.

Public Comment

Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 29, 2025. Comments should be directed to:

Victoria L. Daniels
Department of Health and Human Services
Lucas Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone: 515.829.6021
Email: compliancerules@hhs.iowa.gov

Public Hearing

Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

January 28, 2025 1 to 2 p.m.	Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 222 847 169 42 Passcode: d7aG7cR9
January 29, 2025 10 to 11 a.m.	Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 243 840 908 594 Passcode: a7Jg78UJ

Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

The following rulemaking action is proposed:

ITEM 1.Adopt the following new441—Chapter 48:

CHAPTER 48

PROMOTING AWARENESS OF THE BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY MARRIAGE

441—48.1(234) Definitions.

“Asset” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 239.1to the extent it is consistent with 7 CFR273.8, as amended to March 1, 2025.

“SNAP” means the supplemental nutrition assistance program under 441—Chapter 65.

441—48.2(234) Eligibility criteria. Eligibility for the promoting awareness of the benefits of a healthy marriage program is always determined in conjunction with determination of eligibility for SNAP.

48.2(1) Application. There is no separate application for the program. Eligibility for the program is determined whenever the department determines a household’s eligibility for SNAP.

48.2(2) Resources. Themaximum allowed household asset limit for the program is $15,000.Resources shall be counted in accordance with Iowa Code section 239.4(1).

48.2(3) Income. The household’s gross countable monthly income determined according to 441—Chapter 65 must be less than or equal to 160 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines for the household size. The income eligibility limits as described in this subrule are revised each October 1 to reflect the annual adjustment to the federal poverty guidelines.

48.2(4) Otherwise eligible for SNAP. The household must meet all eligibility criteria for SNAP except as provided in this rule. A household that includes a member who is currently disqualified from SNAP due to an intentional program violation is not eligible for the program.

48.2(5) Minimum SNAP benefit. The household must be eligible for a monthly SNAP benefit greater than zero. Households with a monthly SNAP benefit of zero are not eligible for the program.

441—48.3(234) Notice and eligibility period. A household that meets all of the eligibility criteria in this chapter will receive written notice of its eligibility for the promoting awareness of the benefits of a healthy marriage program.

48.3(1) Written information. Households determined eligible for the program will receive written information about the benefits of a healthy and stable marriage.

48.3(2) Eligibility period. A household that is determined eligible for the program will remain eligible for the program until the earlier of the following events:

a.The household fails to meet the eligibility criteria under this chapter, or

b.The household’s SNAP certification period under 441—Chapter 65 ends.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 234.6.