Committee sends HEN expansion bill to the floor; annual verification and eligibility changes approved

The Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee reported substitute House Bill 1263 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation by recorded vote (11-0).

Representative Cortez, speaking as sponsor, said the bill expands the HEN (essential needs and housing) program statewide beyond the six-county pilot and streamlines verification requirements. The committee adopted a proposed substitute that revises eligibility language to refer to people transitioning onto federal Social Security or similar federal assistance (rather than specifically “social security disability benefits”), removes a narrowly worded grant of authority to provide benefits under the home security fund in the form of direct cash assistance while retaining the bill’s authorization to provide direct cash assistance under HEN, and changes the verification cadence for HEN support entities from every three months to an annual verification requirement.

Representative Cortez said the changes make the program “a very important lifesaving grama to the entire state versus just the 6 counties that originally had the pilot,” and noted administrative streamlining in verification. Representative Penner and other members voiced support, citing flexibility, efficient resource use and accountability.

The clerk’s roll-call recorded 11 yes votes and no nays. The substitute bill was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation and will proceed for further consideration by the full chamber.