1999
BY SENATORS Rupert, Congrove, Hernandez, Musgrave, Reeves, and Weddig;
also REPRESENTATIVES Paschall, Coleman, George, Plant, Scott, Tochtrop, and Tupa.
Concerning the development of individual responsibility contracts under the Colorado works program.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. 26-2-708 (1), (2), and (4), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended to read:
26-2-708. Benefits - assessment - individual responsibility contract - screening for domestic violence. (1) Subject to the provisions of the federal law, the provisions of this section, and available appropriations, a county department shall perform an assessment for a new participant on or after June 3, 1997, who is eighteen years of age or older, or who is sixteen years of age or older but has not yet attained the age of eighteen years of age and has not completed high school or obtained a certificate of high school equivalency and is not attending high school or participating in a high school equivalency program. The initial assessment shall be completed no more than thirty days after the submission of the application for assistance under the works program. Updated assessments may be conducted at the discretion of the county department.
(2) A county department shall develop an individual responsibility contract (IRC) for a new participant on or after June 3, 1997, who has been assessed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, within thirty days after completing the initial assessment of the participant as required in subsection (1) of this section, subject to the provisions of the federal law and this section. The IRC shall be limited in scope to matters relating to securing and maintaining training, education, or work. The county department shall seek the input and involvement of the participant when developing the IRC.
(4) (a) Each county department shall notify persons and families receiving AFDC immediately prior to June 3, 1997, of the implementation of the works program and encourage such persons and members of such families to initiate a job search or enter into an appropriate training program. The county department shall also advise and reasonably assist such individuals in applying for those medical assistance benefits to which they may be entitled.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the federal law, a county department shall provide assessments for persons who are receiving AFDC immediately prior to June 3, 1997, no later than ninety days after June 3, 1997.
(c) A county department shall develop an IRC for any person receiving AFDC immediately prior to June 3, 1997, no later than ninety days after the completion of the assessment required in paragraph (b) of this subsection (4).
SECTION 2. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.
____________________________ ____________________________
Ray Powers Russell George
PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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Patricia K. Dicks Judith M. Rodrigue
SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE
THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APPROVED________________________________________
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Bill Owens
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO