FL S0218

Expands definition of "trafficking" in food assistance benefits to include buying, selling, stealing, or exchanging Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, card numbers, PINs, or food assistance benefits for cash or non-food items, and exchanging firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances for food assistance benefits.

Creates first-degree misdemeanor offense for possession of two or more EBT cards issued to other persons and selling or attempting to sell one or more cards; second or subsequent violation constitutes third-degree felony.

Requires courts to order minimum 20 hours of community service for violations of the EBT card trafficking provision, preferably at nonprofits providing food services for the needy.

Removes section 414.39(2) from the criminal offense severity ranking chart, eliminating the separate third-degree felony classification for unauthorized use, possession, forgery, or alteration of food assistance or Medicaid identification.

Reenacts related sections in statutes governing recovery of overpayments, civil remedies for criminal practices, racketeering definitions, and fraud investigations to incorporate amendments to section 414.39; takes effect October 1, 2016.