SB 203 – AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
03/13/14 0877s
2014 SESSION
05/06
SENATE BILL 203
AN ACT relative to permissible uses of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.
SPONSORS: Sen. Forrester, Dist 2; Sen. Carson, Dist 14; Sen. Bradley, Dist 3; Sen. Morse, Dist 22; Sen. Boutin, Dist 16; Sen. Cataldo, Dist 6; Sen. Odell, Dist 8; Sen. Rausch, Dist 19; Sen. Reagan, Dist 17; Sen. Stiles, Dist 24; Rep. Ladd, Graf 4; Rep. Vadney, Belk 2; Rep. G. Chandler, Carr 1; Rep. LeBrun, Hills 32
This bill expands restrictions on the use of EBT cards. The bill also directs the department of health and human services to report on the adoption and implementation of restrictions on the use of EBT cards.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
03/13/14 0877s
14-2598
05/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fourteen
AN ACT relative to permissible uses of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Public AssAMENDED BY THE SENATE
I. Any person receiving public assistance is prohibited from using electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards or cash obtained with EBT cards for the purpose of purchasing any product or participating in any activities in any location listed in paragraph I-a or II. Any person receiving public assistance who uses an EBT card in violation of paragraph I-a or II shall be subject to the following penalties:
(a) Suspension of cash assistance benefits for that person for 2 pay periods for the first offense.
(b) Suspension of cash assistance benefits for that person for 4 pay periods for the second offense.
(c) Suspension of cash assistance benefits for that person for 6 pay periods for the third and subsequent offense.
I-a. Any person who receives public assistance is prohibited from using an EBT card or cash obtained with an EBT card to gamble or to purchase tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets, firearms, or adult entertainment.
2 New Subparagraph; Prohibited Use of Electronic Benefit Transfer Card; Tattoos and Body Piercing. Amend RSA 167:7-b, II by inserting after subparagraph (d) the following new subparagraph:
(e) Business establishments primarily engaged in the practice of body piercing, branding, or tattooing.
3 New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services; Restrictions on the Use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards; Report Required. On or before October 1, 2014, the department of health and human services shall report to the fiscal committee of the general court, on the adoption and implementation of restrictions on the use of cash assistance. The report shall outline the goals of cash assistance, review applicable state and federal regulations governing restrictions on the use of cash assistance, summarize the department’s findings regarding enforcement of RSA 167:7-b, and make recommendations relative to the regulation of cash assistance programs. The report shall include an education plan for recipients regarding the requirements of RSA 167:7-b and the permissible and prohibited use of cash assistance.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.