Colorado Legislative Council Staff
NO FISCAL IMPACT
Drafting Number: Prime Sponsor(s): |
LLS 99-0116 Rep. Chavez Sen. Reeves |
Date: Bill Status: Fiscal Analyst: |
January 8, 1999 House HEWI Janis Baron (303-866-3523) |
TITLE: CONCERNING APPEALS OF DISPUTED INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY CONTRACTS UNDER THE COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM.
Summary of Legislation
The bill provides that a participant in the Colorado Works Program who refuses to sign an individual responsibility contract (IRC) and who demonstrates good cause as determined by county policy, may request an administrative review. Additionally, the bill states that good cause does not exempt an individual from work or time limits. The bill is effective upon signature of the Governor.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) indicates that it cannot estimate the number of individuals that might contest IRCs as unreasonable. Although the bill authorizes an appeals process, it does not provide an incentive to appeal — the participant's "clock" continues to run, and he or she must be engaged in work after 24 months of receiving cash assistance through Temporary Aid to Needy Families. DHS further indicates that, in general, counties are negotiating good contracts with their Colorado Works Program participants. The fiscal note assumes that the number of participants requesting an administrative review will be limited and accommodated through existing appropriations. Therefore, the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.
Departments Contacted
Human Services