Introduced By: Senators Perry, Nygaard, Walsh, Sosnowski and Graziano
Date Introduced : January 29, 1998
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 40-5.1-25 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-5.1 entitled "Family Independence Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:
> 40-5.1-25. Emergency expenses. -- (a) To the extent
that the department has allocated resources for this purpose,
the department is authorized to provide assistance to families
to meet emergency needs which cannot be met with the cash resources
available to the family. The emergency assistance shall be limited
to the lesser of actual cost or the sum of two hundred dollars
($200). Except as provided by the department by regulation, no
expense shall be reimbursable unless the department has pre-approved
the expenditure. Emergency assistance includes, but is not limited
to, payment of moving expenses for families who are forced to
move their place of residence {DEL because of a fire or natural
disaster DEL} and payments for emergency transportation needs
used in connection with participation in any program approved
under this chapter.
(b) In the event of a catastrophe caused by fire, flood, lightning, severe wind or other act of nature, the department may establish by regulation the authorization of catastrophic assistance funds not subject to the limit of two hundred dollars ($200) specified in subsection (a). Such regulations shall specify the criteria under which funds for shelter, clothing or essential household equipment and furnishings may be authorized in the event of a catastrophe.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
