Rep. Stevens files bill in North Carolina House to strengthen public assistance verification

A new bill filed by State Rep. Stevens seeks to enhance the accuracy and oversight of eligibility for public assistance programs in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 640 on April 1 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Public Assistance Verification Enhancements.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to enhance the verification process for public assistance programs in North Carolina, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services and public housing authorities to conduct regular reviews of information that might affect beneficiaries’ eligibility for assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and housing. This includes periodic checks of both state and federal databases for updates on income, employment, residency, lottery winnings, and more. The bill also requires public posting of aggregate data on investigations of noncompliance and fraud, and prohibits self-attestation without verification for Medicaid eligibility. Additionally, it outlines a procedure for addressing discrepancies found in eligibility determinations, involving notifications and potential redetermination of benefits. Public housing authorities must comply with data checks and submit annual reports on child support cooperation or face consequences, including potential revocation of their charter.

Stevens proposed another 20 bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Stevens graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1981 with a BS and again in 1986 from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law with a JD.

Stevens, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2009 to represent the state’s 90th House district, replacing previous state representative Jim Harrell.