Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved PEC 383/17 in first round on Wednesday (April 8), setting a 1% floor of net current revenue for the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS). The bill still requires a second round in the Chamber and Senate review. It includes a gradual rollout for the federal government and immediate allocation for states and municipalities.
The Chamber of Deputies approved PEC 383/17 with 464 votes in favor and 16 against. The bill amends the Constitution to secure permanent funding for SUAS, which serves over 30 million families through programs like CadÚnico, Bolsa Família, BPC, PETI, and Projovem.
The text sets 1% of net current revenue (RCL) for the Union, with transition: 0.3% in 2027, 0.5% in 2028, 0.75% in 2029, and 1% from 2030. States and municipalities allocate 1% immediately, excluding benefits like BPC and Bolsa Família. Relator André Figueiredo (PDT-CE) estimates R$11 billion impact over four years, while the government's economic team calculates R$36 billion.
Figueiredo argued: "It's not about numbers, it's about people with names and faces." The Lula government voiced concerns over fiscal impact, viewing it as a potential bomb bill, though the Ministry of Social Development supports it. Presented in 2017 by former deputy Danilo Cabral (PSB-PE), it aims to prevent cuts like those in 2017 under Michel Temer.
The vote was attended by groups like Congemas and Fonseas. Next is a second round in the Chamber next week, then the Senate.
