SB-0841 Summary

• Changes terminology from "food stamps or coupons or access devices" to "food assistance benefits" and "an access device for obtaining food assistance benefits" throughout the statute.

• Reduces the threshold for misdemeanor violations from $250 to $100, and increases penalties for felony violations: crimes involving $100-$5,000 in benefits carry up to 5 years imprisonment (previously $250-$1,000 with different terms), and crimes involving $5,000 or more carry up to 20 years imprisonment (previously $1,000+ with 10 years).

• Updates statutory references to clarify application to food stamp programs under 7 USC 2011-2036a and supplemental nutrition programs under 42 USC 1786.

• Expands forfeiture provisions to allow courts to order forfeiture of property used to commit violations, with proceeds prioritized for reimbursement to the Department of Human Services, USDA, law enforcement agencies, and USDA for losses incurred.

• Permits charges for multiple violations of food assistance fraud over a 12-month period to be combined into a single offense with aggregated values determining the degree of the crime.