HB 1708 -- SNAP AND TANF

SPONSOR: Eggleston

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 any third violation of the prohibition against using TANF or SNAP benefits via an EBT card in a prohibited establishment or to purchase prohibited items, a recipient will lose his or her benefits permanently.

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.

The bill repeals the provisions regarding pilot projects in certain counties to provide EBT cards to public assistance recipients.

The effective date is contingent to federal approval.

This bill is similar to HCS HB 474 (2019).

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4388H.01): 208.024, 208.182