a. Every able-bodied prospective recipient of aid to families with dependent children in this State shall register with the REACH program at the time of enrollment as a recipient and shall participate in one or more program activities with the goal of obtaining permanent full-time unsubsidized employment, preferably in the private sector. An able-bodied current recipient of aid to families with dependent children who is receiving assistance on the effective date of this act shall register with the REACH program no later than three years after the effective date of this act, according to a Statewide implementation schedule for the REACH program established by the commissioner pursuant to section 5 of this act.

b. The commissioner shall adopt regulations which specify eligibility and participation requirements under the REACH program for able-bodied recipients of aid to families with dependent children. The regulations shall include exemptions from these requirements for reasons of physical or mental disability or extenuating family circumstances, in accordance with federal regulations.

c. An able-bodied recipient of aid to families with dependent children who without good cause, as determined by the commissioner, fails to comply with the provisions of this act is subject to a penalty to be determined by the commissioner, which may include the denial, reduction or termination of aid to families with dependent children benefits. The commissioner shall provide for an appropriate right of appeal under those circumstances.

L. 1987, c. 282, s. 6; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.