State Senate Approves Bill to Curb EBT Abuse

State Sen. Jeanie Forrester, R-Meredith, yesterday hailed state Senate passage of her legislation to address improper use of state-issued Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards (EBTs), according to a press statement.

Current law prohibits using the cards at state liquor stores, gambling establishments, and adult entertainment venues. Forrester’s bill would clarify that EBT recipients could not use the cards or cash from the cards on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, lottery tickets, or adult entertainment.

Forrester stated, “78 percent of funds given out through EBT cards are withdrawn as cash, making it difficult to prevent fraud and abuse. This bill would clarify that recipients need to make responsible choices with dollars provided by taxpayers.”

Last year, the state Senate approved similar legislation sponsored by Forrester by a vote of 20-3 before it stalled in the House of Representatives. The bill builds on a provision in the 2013 budget law that restricted use of EBT cards.

“When we spend taxpayer money to help those on public assistance, we have responsibility to both the taxpayers and to those receiving this critical assistance,” Forrester added. “By preventing abuse of EBT cards, we can ensure that this program is delivering help to those who need it. I thank my colleagues for supporting this important legislation.”

SB 169

SB 203 (2014)

2014 Statement on EBT Reform