Bill would let waiver case managers authorize housing stabilization services to cut approval delays, proponents say

Senate File 2741 would give waiver case managers authority to directly authorize housing stabilization services (HSS) for waiver participants, instead of routing every authorization through centralized Department of Human Services review. Witnesses told the committee that centralized approvals have created backlogs that leave people waiting months for services, at times resulting in eviction or extended homelessness.

Twyla Martin, CEO of 360 Housing Stability, said providers often receive approvals with only a few days left on an authorization or not at all, which forces a choice between providing needed services proactively (and risking non‑payment) or waiting and leaving families without supports. Martin said allowing waiver case managers to authorize HSS would align service delivery with real‑time needs because case managers already develop and monitor person‑centered plans.

Day (first name), executive director of Seeds We're Sowing, testified that single mothers and other vulnerable families have lost opportunities or been pushed back into unsafe situations after months of delay. Supporters said the change would not add a new benefit or require additional appropriation; it would streamline access for services already in the benefit package.

Sponsor Senator Fata asked for a fiscal note and said he expected DHS to provide it; the committee laid the bill over for possible omnibus inclusion so additional details and any fiscal implications could be identified.