This bill aims to restrict the use of electronic benefit cards by cash assistance recipients in venues deemed inappropriate for the use of taxpayer dollars, such as casinos, adult entertainment venues, adult bookstores, and liquor stores. It mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to collaborate with the New Jersey Office of Information Technology and ATM suppliers to develop a program that prevents access to cash benefits at these locations and prohibits point-of-sale purchases or payments for cruises using benefit cards.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law by deleting a provision that exempted contracts for food stamp coupons from the "Local Public Contracts Law" until the electronic benefit distribution system is implemented statewide. It introduces a new requirement for the commissioner to seek federal waivers necessary for the bill's implementation. The bill is set to take effect on the first day of the seventh month following its enactment, with the exception of the provision regarding federal waivers, which takes effect immediately, allowing the commissioner to take anticipatory administrative actions as needed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 44:10-75