Bill > A237

Introduced Session

This bill is intended to restrict the use of electronic benefit cards by cash assistance recipients in those venues that do not conduce to the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. The bill directs the Commissioner of Human Services to work with the New Jersey Office of Information Technology and representatives of automatic teller machine suppliers to create and implement a program or method to prevent: access to cash benefits through the electronic benefit distribution system at automatic teller machines located on the premises of a casino, adult entertainment venue, adult bookstore, or liquor store; and the use of a benefit card to make a point-of-sale purchase at those premises or to pay for a cruise at a travel agency or other venue. The commissioner, as soon as is practicable after the date of enactment of this bill, is to apply for any federal waivers that the commissioner determines are required to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill takes take effect on the first day of the seventh month following the date of enactment, except for the provision that requires the commissioner to seek any necessary federal waivers, but the commissioner is authorized to take administrative action in advance as necessary to implement the bill. The restrictions on access to electronic benefit cards by cash assistance recipients in certain venues as provided in this bill include certain restrictions that are currently embodied in federal law, pursuant to sections 4001 through 4005 of Pub.L.112-96, designated as the "Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act," enacted on February 22, 2012. Each state must comply with these federal requirements by 2014 or face a loss of federal funds for its TANF program (which is the Work First New Jersey program in this State).

Committee Categories

Dawn Fantasia (R)*,  Michael Inganamort (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document