S. 3842 — Introduced in Senate

II 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3842 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 15, 2022Mr. Warnock introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title VI of the Social Security Act to permit State and local coronavirus fiscal recovery funds to be used to address increased costs of essential items. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Relief for Families Act of 2022. 2. Authority to use State and local coronavirus fiscal recovery funds to address increased costs of essential items (a) In general Sections 602(c)(1) and 603(c)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 802(c)(1), 803(c)(1)) are each amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking or after the semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (E) to address increased costs of essential items, including clothing or footwear that does not exceed $100 per item of clothing or pair of footwear, food (other than alcoholic beverages), diapers, feminine hygiene products, prescription and over-the-counter medicine, items to prepare for natural disasters or severe weather, school supplies, and energy efficient appliances, by providing a temporary suspension of sales taxes or similar temporary sales tax relief for the purchase of such items that— (i) is for a period of not less than 3 days, and not more than 3 months; (ii) begins after a minimum 2-week notice period; and (iii) occurs during the 12-month period that begins on the day after the date of enactment of this subparagraph. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 602(c)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 802(c)(2)(A)) is amended by striking A State or territory and inserting Except as permitted under paragraph (1)(E), a State or territory.