SB7 Summary

• Prohibits public assistance benefit recipients from using benefits to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or lottery tickets, with violations requiring reimbursement to the Department of Human Resources.

• First violation results in one-month disqualification from direct cash or electronic benefits transfer access; second violation results in three-month disqualification; third or subsequent violation results in permanent disqualification.

• Prohibits cash benefit recipients from withdrawing or using Electronic Benefits Transfer cards at alcohol-primary retail establishments, casinos, tattoo facilities, psychic service facilities, or adult-oriented entertainment venues, with the same escalating penalty structure.

• Requires the Department of Human Resources to consult with automatic teller machine providers to implement a blocking program preventing Electronic Benefits Transfer card access at ATMs in prohibited establishments, with federal waiver application required if necessary.

• All disqualified individuals have the right to a hearing under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act; becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.