SPONSOR: Cook
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Downsizing State Government by a vote of 8 to 3. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Administrative Oversight by a vote of 9 to 5.
This bill changes the law regarding the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits via electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transaction. The bill adds pornography to the list of items that are prohibited from being purchased with TANF or SNAP benefits using an EBT card.
The bill requires that upon a first violation of the prohibition against using TANF benefits via an EBT card in a prohibited establishment or to purchase prohibited items, a TANF recipient will be disqualified from receiving benefits for three months; upon a second violation, the recipient will be disqualified for six months; and upon any third or subsequent violation, the recipient will be disqualified for five years. An individual may resume participation in the program at the end of the disqualification period by applying again.
The bill prohibits a recipient of TANF or SNAP from using his or her EBT card at any automated teller machine (ATM) to receive cash back on a purchase or to otherwise access the benefits as cash. If the Department of Social Services determines that a waiver is necessary for implementation of the prohibition, the Department will apply for a waiver from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.
The bill repeals the provisions regarding pilot projects in certain counties to provide EBT cards to public assistance recipients.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that tax dollars should not be spent on pornography or related materials. This prevents abuse of the system.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Cook; Arnie C.Dienoff; and the Opportunity Solutions Project.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that this bill requires the state to spend money to take money away from people who need it. The high rates of domestic violence in the lives of people experiencing poverty, along with higher rates of physical and mental health problems, mean that economically disadvantaged people, including those experiencing homelessness, are likely to have more, and more complex, needs than those who have more resources.
Testifying against the bill were Missouri Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics; Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MoCADSV); Empower Missouri; Missouri Budget Project; and the Health Forward Foundation.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: