make an appropriation for increasing the benefit amounts of the temporary assistance for needy families program, and to declare an emergency.

HB 1293 appropriates $6.8 million from South Dakota's general fund to increase benefit amounts for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It directs the Department of Social Services to provide TANF benefits equal to fiscal year 2025 levels starting immediately and continuing through July 1, 2027. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation of these increased benefits. This funding directly affects TANF recipients by raising their monthly support payments for a two-year period.