Section 49-4-185. Sanctions against recipient for failure to comply

   (a) As used in this Code section, the term "sanction" means a 25 percent reduction of any cash assistance provided to a family for a time period established by the board for the first material violation and termination of any cash assistance provided to the family for any subsequent material violation within a time period established by the board; provided, however, that the department determine that there is good cause not to apply such a sanction in specific circumstances.

(b) A recipient shall be subject to sanction for failing to comply with the state plan if the recipient:

   (1) Fails to report that a child is absent from home for a period of 45 consecutive days or, in the case of a child who is a recipient, being absent from home for a period of 45 consecutive days; provided, however, that a child who is a recipient shall not be sanctioned if the department determines there is good cause not to sanction the child under such circumstances;

   (2) Violates any personal responsibility or work participation requirement; provided, however, that a single custodial parent with a child under 12 months of age may be exempt from any work participation requirement until adequate child care is available; or

   (3) Except for violations of subsection (a) of Code Section 49-4-184 which result in the recipient no longer being eligible for assistance, violates any other term or condition specified in the federal Social Security Act, as amended, the state plan, or the rules and regulations of the board.

Code 1981, § 49-4-185, enacted by Ga. L. 1997, p. 1021, § 6; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1137, § 8.