Last progress May 1, 2025 (7 months ago)
Introduced on May 1, 2025 by Steve Daines
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
This bill updates the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to focus more on work, coaching, and results. States, tribes, and territories would keep getting TANF funds from 2026–2030, but with new rules. Every work-eligible adult on TANF must get an assessment and a written “individual opportunity plan” that sets work or training steps, with case management to help them follow through. States can reduce a family’s monthly benefit in proportion to missed required hours. A state may choose to exempt a single parent caring for a baby under 12 months for up to a year. The bill also expands allowed activities to include career and technical education.
Money must be focused on core purposes. At least 25% of a state’s TANF grant (and 25% of state matching funds) must go to work supports, education and training, apprenticeships, short‑term help, work activities, and case management. TANF funds can’t be used for families with income above double the poverty line, and states face penalties if they overspend on administration. States can no longer spend TANF directly on child care, but they may transfer up to half of their TANF funds to the child care block grant or workforce programs (with conditions). TANF dollars must add to, not replace, state spending. The bill also applies improper‑payment laws to TANF and directs HHS to set rules and publish a public dashboard showing each state’s performance. Reducing child poverty by helping parents get and keep jobs becomes an official goal. Most changes take effect October 1, 2026.
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