Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 26Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Summary

This bill would clarify that states can use certain federal welfare funds to support pregnancy centers (also known as crisis pregnancy centers). **What it does:** The bill amends federal law to explicitly allow states to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds to operate or contract with pregnancy centers that provide services to pregnant women and families. **Who it affects:** - State governments that distribute federal welfare funds - Pregnancy centers that provide counseling, material assistance, and other services - Pregnant women and families who might receive services from these centers - Taxpayers whose federal dollars fund TANF programs **What would change:** States would have clear legal authority to direct federal welfare money toward pregnancy centers without concern about potential federal restrictions. Currently, some states may be uncertain about whether such funding is permissible under existing federal welfare rules. The bill is currently under review in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.

How This Affects You