Connecticut House Bill HB05432

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/15
• Refer: 1/15/15

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Use Of Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards Outside The United States.

Impact

If passed, HB 05432 would amend Title 17b of the general statutes, specifically addressing regulations concerning public assistance. This means that recipients of state benefits would no longer have the option to use their EBT cards for transactions or services located outside of the United States. The passage of this bill would align state law with the intent to limit access to public funds and support systems, reinforcing the belief that such assistance should benefit only domestic residents facing financial difficulties.

Summary

House Bill 05432 introduces a legislative measure aimed at strictly prohibiting the usage of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for public assistance purposes outside the territorial limits of the United States. This bill attempts to ensure that state benefits, intended for residents facing economic hardships, are exclusively utilized within the country. The intent behind this bill is to prevent potential misuse of public assistance benefits outside the jurisdiction where they are intended to provide support.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 05432 may bring up contentious viewpoints, particularly regarding its implications for low-income individuals who might travel outside the U.S. for specific reasons, including but not limited to family matters or emergencies. Supporters of the bill may argue that the prohibition is necessary to prevent exploitation of public assistance programs, while opponents might raise concerns over the potential impact on vulnerable populations who may require support during their time abroad. This could lead to an ongoing debate about the fairness and implications of restricting access to necessary assistance for those in dire situations.