TANF Hygiene Access Act

Free hygiene supplies for low-income households

This bill would create a demonstration program run by HHS's Office of Family Assistance. It would award competitive grants to States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to provide hygiene materials to low-income households. Grants would pay only for listed hygiene items (for example, soap, toothpaste, diapers, feminine products) and up to 15% of a grant could cover administrative costs. The Secretary would post each application on HHS's website and must publish awarded grants. Funding would be provided across five fiscal years starting in the first fiscal year that begins on or after the Act's effective date (which is one year after enactment): $25 million the first year, $30 million the second and third years, and $32.5 million the fourth and fifth years. The Secretary would disburse each grant on the first day of the fiscal year for which it is awarded. Grantees would report the area served, number of families served, number of materials distributed, and frequency of distributions. Before the fifth fiscal year begins, the Secretary would report to Congress on the demonstration and whether large-scale implementation is feasible.