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Bill would expand HEN bridge pilot statewide, allow cash assistance and align admin rates (HB 1263)
Summary
House Bill 1263 would allow the Department of Commerce to extend the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) bridge pilot statewide for people transitioning to federal disability benefits, permit direct cash assistance under HEN and align HEN administrative rates with other Home Security Fund programs.
Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 1263, which would update eligible uses and administration of the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program administered by the Department of Commerce, Representative Julio Cortez told the Early Learning and Human Services Committee.
Staff summarized current HEN practice: the program provides time‑limited rent assistance, services tied to housing stability, and limited essential needs items to low‑income people unable to work. Eligibility is determined through a Department of Social and Health Services process; current rules generally prohibit HEN benefits in the form of direct cash and limit administrative spending by support agencies to no more than 7 percent of funds. The law authorized a limited pilot to bridge…
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