House Approves Restrictions on TANF Cash Benefits
Issue Brief 12-06
February 10, 2012
On
February 1, 2012, the House approved the Welfare Integrity Now for Children and
Families Act (H.R. 3567), which would require states to prevent Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) electronic benefit transfer (EBT)
transactions in liquor stores, casinos, or adult-entertainment establishments.
The bill would impose a penalty on any state that fails to implement policies
within two years of enactment. This marks the second time in the past few
months that the House has approved such a restriction. A similar bill, S. 943,
was introduced in the Senate last year.