Restrictions on debit and electronic benefit cards - Violations.

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A. No debit or electronic benefit transfer cards that contain state or federal funds from programs including, but not limited to, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may be used in any transaction in:

1. Any liquor store;

2. Any casino, gambling casino or gaming establishment;

3. Any retail establishment which provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment; or

4. Any retail establishment whose principal business is that of selling cigarettes, cigar or tobacco products.

B. For the purposes of this act:

1. "Liquor store" means any retail establishment that sells exclusively or primarily intoxicating liquor but does not include a grocery store that sells both intoxicating liquor and groceries;

2. "Casino", "gambling casino" and "gaming establishment" do not include:

  • a.a grocery store that sells groceries and that also offers, or is located within the same building or complex as an establishment that offers casino, gambling or gaming activities, or
  • b.any other establishment that offers casino, gambling or gaming activities incidental to the principal purpose of the business; and

3. "Electronic benefit transfer transaction" means the use of a credit or debit card service, automated teller machine, point-of-sale terminal or access to an online system for the withdrawal of funds or the processing of a payment for merchandise or service.

C. An individual who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a reduction in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits as follows:

1. For the first violation, twenty-five percent (25%) of the individual's TANF payment standard for a period of three (3) months;

2. A second violation following the three (3) month reduction in benefits shall result in a thirty-five percent (35%) reduction in TANF benefits for six (6) subsequent months;

3. A third violation following the six (6) month reduction in benefits shall result in a fifty percent (50%) reduction in TANF benefits for twelve (12) subsequent months; and

4. Subsequent violations shall result in the individual being deemed permanently ineligible for TANF benefits. Individuals with children receiving TANF benefits shall only be eligible to receive benefit payments for dependent children as provided by state and federal law.

D. By August 1, 2013, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services shall report on the status of an implementation plan pursuant to the provisions of this section. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be provided with updates on the status of implementation on a quarterly basis until provisions of this section are fully implemented by the Department.

Added by Laws 2013, c. 260, § 1, eff. July 1, 2013. Amended by Laws 2014, c. 26, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.


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