SB116 Summary

• Prohibits public assistance recipients from using benefits to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or lottery tickets, with violations resulting in 1-month disqualification for first offense, 3-month disqualification for second offense, and permanent disqualification for third or subsequent offense.

• Prohibits cash benefit withdrawals or use at establishments that primarily sell alcohol, casinos, tattoo/body piercing facilities, psychic service providers, or adult entertainment venues, with same escalating penalty structure as above.

• Requires the Department of Human Resources to consult with automatic teller machine providers to implement blocking access to benefits at ATMs in restricted establishments by October 1, 2015, and to apply for federal waivers if necessary.

• Allows parents of minor children disqualified from benefits to designate a third party (preferably a family member) approved by the department to receive benefits on the child's behalf.

• Requires the Department of Human Resources to perform monthly incarceration and death index matches to prevent issuing or deactivate electronic benefits transfer cards for incarcerated or deceased recipients.