The Iowa House recently passed a bill that will require recipients of public assistance programs to undergo an identity and asset verification. 

Senate File 494 passed the House by a vote of 58-41 and heads to the desk of Governor Kim Reynolds for a signature. The piece of legislation will put a new standard on applying for public assistance benefits. If the bill is signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, the maximum limit of an applicant’s household assets and personal property cannot exceed $15,000 to be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, the bill will require eligible applicants to earn less than 160-percent of the federal poverty level for a household before collecting SNAP or Medicaid benefits. House Republican David Young, who voted against the bill, says he wanted this legislation to consider the Double Up Food Bucks program and the involuntary effects of the bill. 

“ I have concerns with the asset test and its unintended consequences. What if someone does have a decent vehicle and lives in an okay nice home but they’re in a transition between jobs. You Know, we don’t want to hurt them.”

State Senator for District 14 Sarah Trone-Garriott who also voted against the bill, has similar concerns. 

“There’s a whole list of things that you’re going to have to provide proof for. And for some people, that paperwork is just going to be too much to do, especially when you’re thinking about families with folks who have disabilities in them. Poor folks working multiple jobs, families with kids. It’s going to push a lot of people off of food assistance and health care.”

Supporters of the legislation argue the bill would reduce fraud and ensure only those that are eligible receive benefits.