PUBLIC ASSISTANCE – Amends existing law to provide for the exchange of certain information between the State Tax Commission and the Department of Health and Welfare for investigation of fraud.

This Idaho bill (H 62) allows the State Tax Commission and Department of Health and Welfare to share certain tax return information to investigate fraud in public assistance programs. It directly affects individuals and families receiving public benefits like food assistance or cash aid by enabling better detection of false applications or benefit claims. The key provision permits a written agreement for exchanging tax data solely to verify fraud allegations under existing laws, with strict confidentiality rules preventing public disclosure except in court. All shared information must comply with federal privacy laws and can only be used for fraud investigations, not for other purposes.