(a) The department, to the extent allowed under section 346-10, shall make all data relating to temporary assistance for needy families funds available to the senate and house of representatives committees having primary jurisdiction over fiscal, health, and human services issues, upon request. The committees shall jointly evaluate the implementation of the state temporary assistance for needy [families] program and program expenditures and make annual recommendations for appropriations.
Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
(b) The legislature may conduct hearings to receive public comment relating to the implementation of the state temporary assistance for needy families program and the optimal expenditure of program funds. The legislature shall determine the number and timing of hearings to be held; provided that if hearings are held, no fewer than one hearing on each island of the State shall be held annually; provided further that the senate and house of representatives committees having primary jurisdiction over fiscal, health, and human services matters shall jointly conduct the public hearings.
