HB 2587 Summary

• Amends 56 O.S. 2011, Section 243 to modify the definition of "trafficking in food stamps" under food stamp fraud laws.

• Expands the definition to include six specific fraudulent activities: buying/selling/stealing food stamp benefits via electronic transfer cards; exchanging firearms or controlled substances for benefits; possessing stolen food stamp cards; purchasing products with intent to obtain cash by returning deposit containers; purchasing products for resale; and purchasing products originally bought with food stamp benefits for cash.

• Maintains existing criminal penalties: misdemeanor for obtaining $500 or less in benefits (fine up to $500 and/or up to 3 months jail); felony for amounts exceeding $500 (fine up to $5,000 and/or up to 2 years in state penitentiary).

• Retains trafficking offense penalties based on aggregate value: misdemeanor for trafficking $100 or less (fine up to $500 and/or 3 months jail); felony for trafficking exceeding $100 (fine up to $5,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment).

• Effective date: November 1, 2014.