Dignity is Essential Act

If this bill is passed, it will update part of the Code of Georgia about helping people in general.

• Code of Georgia: These are the rules or laws for the state of Georgia that say what people in Georgia can and cannot do.

This bill:  

• Lets the Department of Human Services turn in paperwork called a “waiver request” so people receiving certain benefits can use those benefits to buy diapers or period items.

  • Department of Human Services: A government office that helps people with basic needs like food, healthcare, child support, and housing.

  • This depends on the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, A government agency that helps people get healthy food through programs like free school meals, giving the waiver to different states.    

• Set up a shorter name, the “Dignity is Essential Act”.  

• Gets rid of any other laws that stop this one from working  

• Adds a new part to the Georgia Code  

  • The new part says if a waiver is available, the Department of Human Services has to try to get it.  

  • If they get it, the Department will come up with rules and make the changes needed to put the new rule about using benefits for diapers and period items in place.