IMPERMISSIBLE USE OF TANF BENEFITS ON EBT CARDS

Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transactions made by each temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) benefits applicant or recipient who is found to have made a cash withdrawal at any casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment shall, after an administrative hearing, be declared ineligible for TANF benefits for a period of 3 years from the date of the administrative hearing decision. Other members of a household shall, if otherwise eligible, continue to receive TANF benefits as protective or vendor payments to a third-party payee for the benefit of the members of the household.

Any person who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation of this act by a TANF recipient shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for reporting such suspected violation.

The Department of Social Services shall implement policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the TANF program through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device, including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance.

The department shall also ensure that TANF recipients have access to using or withdrawing assistance with minimal fees or charges, including an opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges, and are provided information on applicable fees and charges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance, and that such information is made publicly available.

On or before December 31, 2014, the department shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing the policies and practices implemented in accordance with federal law. In addition, the department shall report Missouri's implementation of the policies and practices to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within two years of the enactment of such federal law.

Nothing in this act shall require any casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment to enforce or monitor any provision of this act. (Section 208.031)

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD STAMP BENEFITS ON EBT CARDS

This act requires retail establishments to verify that the photograph on the electronic benefits card matches the identity of the person presenting the card. (Section 208.022)

The department is required to imprint on all EBT cards on all electronic benefit cards distributed to food stamp recipients a photograph of the recipient. The cards shall expire and be subject to renewal after three years. (Section 208.182)

This act is substantially similar to provisions in HCS/HB 343 (2013).

ADRIANE CROUSE