Budget Amendment ID: FY2012-S3-444-R1

Redraft EHS 444

RESTRICTIONS ON CASH BENEFITS AND EBT CARDS

Messrs. Tarr, Hedlund, Knapik, Richard T. Moore and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking out Section 22 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

"SECTION 22. Chapter 18 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 5H the following 2 sections:-

Section 5I. An individual or store owner shall not accept direct cash assistance funds held on electronic benefit transfer cards for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets or tobacco products. An individual or store owner who knowingly accepts electronic benefit transfer cards in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 for the first offense, a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for the second offense, and a fine of not less than $1,000 for the third or subsequent offense.

Section 5J. Whoever embezzles, steals or obtains by fraud any funds, assets or property provided by the department of transitional assistance and whoever receives, conceals or retains such funds, assets or property for his own interest knowing such funds, assets or property have been embezzled, stolen or obtained by fraud shall, if such funds, assets or property are of a value of less than $100, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 1 year, or both such fine and imprisonment, or if such funds, assets or property are of a value of $100 or more, by a fine of not more than $25,000 or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 2 ½ years, or both such fine and imprisonment."