1. (a) This section is effective October 1, 2026.

2. (b) The office of the secretary shall do the following:

   1. (1) Verify citizenship or satisfactory immigration status for each applicant, recipient, or identified household member of an applicant or recipient.

   2. (2) Either:

      1. (A) after a reasonable opportunity period to verify citizenship or satisfactory immigration status where the status could not be verified; or

      2. (B) upon receipt of verification that indicates that the applicant, recipient, or household member is not a United States citizen or lacks satisfactory immigration status and has entered the United States without inspection or admission, or has remained beyond the expiration of an authorized period of stay;

         promptly refer the applicant, recipient, or household member of an applicant or recipient to the United States Department of Homeland Security or any other appropriate federal authority for further investigation and enforcement.

As added by P.L.63-2026, SEC.14.