Restricts use of electronic benefit cards by cash assistance recipients.
Impact
If passed, this bill would amend the provisions of previously established laws regarding the distribution of welfare and food assistance benefits. Specifically, it adjusts the parameters under which cash assistance benefits may be utilized, aligning state law with existing federal mandates outlined in the Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act. This legislative move is aimed at both enhancing accountability and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized responsibly while addressing societal concerns about potential misuse of welfare benefits.
Summary
Assembly Bill A237 seeks to amend the existing regulations concerning the use of electronic benefit cards by cash assistance recipients in New Jersey. The primary goal of this bill is to impose restrictions on where these benefits can be accessed, ensuring that cash assistance funds are not used in venues that may not align with the intended purpose of those benefits. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of benefit cards at casinos, adult entertainment venues, adult bookstores, and liquor stores, thereby directing the Commissioner of Human Services to implement mechanisms to enforce these limitations.
Contention
While proponents argue that these restrictions are necessary to prevent the inappropriate use of taxpayer funds, critics may view this as an overreach that limits recipients' autonomy over their benefits. The legislation also mandates that the Commissioner of Human Services seek any required federal waivers promptly, which may provoke discussions about the balance between state policy and federal stipulations. Additionally, the requirement for administrative action could lead to operational challenges as the state undertakes the necessary steps to implement these changes effectively.
Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.
Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.
Requires State to adopt practices to reduce SNAP benefits theft and to replace stolen SNAP benefits under certain circumstances; upgrades criminal penalties for SNAP benefits theft; makes appropriation.
Requires State to adopt practices to reduce SNAP benefits theft and to replace stolen SNAP benefits under certain circumstances; upgrades criminal penalties for SNAP benefits theft; makes appropriation.
Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.
Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.
Requires DHS to provide information to SNAP and WFNJ recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to submit report to Governor and Legislature on these fraud activities.
An Act Concerning The Procurement Plan, Integrated Resources Plan And Comprehensive Energy Strategy And Minor And Technical Revisions To The Utility Statutes.