Signed by Governor Jim Justice, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes use of the federally allowed 20 hour per-week work requirement for food stamps recipients.

Highlights:

• Specifies that both able bodied adults may receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for only 3 months out of each 36 month period (Article 8).

• Defines “able-bodied adults” as a person between the ages of 18 and 49 who has no dependents (Article 8).

• Exempts recipients from the time limit if they are a military veteran, are participating in and complying with a work, education, or volunteer program for at least 20 hours per week, or are responsible for any of the following, including, but not limited to (Article 8):

• The care of a minor child, disabled or incapacitated person; or

• An individual who is at least 65 years old.

• Prohibits public assistance program funds on electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards from being used to purchase the following, including, but not limited to (Article 8):

• Alcohol and liquor,;

• Cigarettes and other tobacco products;

• Bail, lottery tickets, or other gambling activities; and

• Tattoos, piercings, and massages.

• Specifies that the Department of Health and Human Resources will provide an itemized list of all prohibited purchases to all recipients upon enrollment that will be made available on their website (Article 8).

Full Bill Text