House passes bill on tightening eligibility for SNAP benefits

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - A bill that would tighten eligibility for SNAP benefits as well as one that would change Kentucky's child labor laws were among those passed by the Kentucky House of Representatives on Thursday.

House Bill 367 sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams, R-Earlington, would ban the Cabinet for Health and Family Services from:

--Granting to any individual enrolled as a recipient in the SNAP program any benefits unless expressly required by federal law.

--Exempting any individual from meeting the gross income and financial resources eligibility standards established in federal law for any noncash, in-kind, or other benefit unless expressly required by federal law.

--Seeking any waiver of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, without first obtaining specific authorization from the General Assembly.

It would also lower the income level at which someone is eligible for SNAP benefits.

Williams told his colleagues the measure would increase the workforce, while opponents said it would take food away from children.

It passed 61-33.

Bill would allow Ky. match federal standards in child labor regulations

HB 255, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pratte, R-Georgetown, would prohibit the state's Department of Workplace Standards from promulgating regulations on child labor such as the hours they can work in one day or over a week that are more restrictive than those promulgated by the United States Secretary of Labor.

Currently, Kentucky child labor laws are more restrictive on hours and days worked stronger than federal law.

Pratt also described this measure as one to improve workforce participation, while opponents said it would be unsafe for those under 18 and would help take the state back to conditions that led to child labor laws being enacted in the first place.

It was approved 60-36.

Both measures now head to the Senate.