§ 40-6-8.1. Prohibited uses of electronic benefit transfer cards.
(a) The department shall adopt rules prohibiting purchases with cash assistance funds held on electronic benefit transfer cards in venues as described in this section.
(b) The department is hereby empowered, and shall maintain policies and practices as necessary, to prohibit cash assistance provided under this chapter from being used in any electronic benefit transfer transaction at:
(1) Liquor stores (holding solely a retailers class A license);
(2) Casinos or at facilities that conduct casino gaming as defined in chapter 61.2 of title 42;
(3) Gambling facilities as defined by chapter 9 of title 41;
(4) Retail establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment as defined in the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 608(a).
(c) Eligible recipients of direct-cash assistance, who use cash assistance funds held on electronic benefit transfer cards in such establishments, shall, for a first offense, have their cash assistance reduced for one month by the portion of the family’s benefit attributable to one parent, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the department; for a second offense, have their cash assistance reduced for three (3) months by the portion of the family’s benefit attributable to one parent, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the department; and for a third offense, shall be disqualified from the direct-cash assistance program for a period of one year.
(d) A store owner who commits fraud against the department of human services by violating § 11-41-34, and who also possesses a license to sell alcoholic beverages under chapter 7 of title 3, shall be referred to the appropriate licensing authority for possible disciplinary action pursuant to title 3.
(e) A store owner who commits fraud against the department of human services by violating § 11-41-34, and who also possesses a license to sell lottery tickets under chapter 61 of title 42, shall be referred to the director of the state lottery for possible disciplinary action.
History of Section.P.L. 2016, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 499, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 40-6 - Public Assistance Act
Section 40-6-1. - Short title — “Public assistance” and “department” defined.
Section 40-6-3. - General public assistance.
Section 40-6-3.1. - Eligibility for general public assistance.
Section 40-6-3.2. - Form of assistance.
Section 40-6-3.3. - [Repealed.]
Section 40-6-3.4 - — 40-6-3.6. [Repealed.]
Section 40-6-3.7. - Local welfare offices.
Section 40-6-3.8. - [Repealed.]
Section 40-6-3.9. - [Repealed.]
Section 40-6-3.10. - Funeral and burial expenses.
Section 40-6-3.11. - “Dependent child” defined.
Section 40-6-3.12. - Enteral nutrition products.
Section 40-6-5.1. - [Repealed.]
Section 40-6-5.2. - Cashing of AFDC, GPA checks.
Section 40-6-5.3. - [Repealed.]
Section 40-6-6. - Authorization to pay assistance.
Section 40-6-7.1. - Expanded eligibility for pregnant women and young children.
Section 40-6-7.2. - Presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.
Section 40-6-8. - Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP).
Section 40-6-8.1. - Prohibited uses of electronic benefit transfer cards.
Section 40-6-8.2. - Establishment of retail SNAP incentives pilot program.
Section 40-6-9.1. - Data matching — Healthcare coverages.
Section 40-6-10. - Effect of assistance on receipt of workers’ compensation benefits.
Section 40-6-11. - Report of income by recipients.
Section 40-6-12. - Records as to assistance.
Section 40-6-12.1. - Warrants — Release of information.
Section 40-6-13. - Appeals — Hearings.
Section 40-6-14. - Assistance not assignable — Exemption from process.
Section 40-6-15. - Fraudulently obtaining assistance.
Section 40-6-16. - Fraudulent use of food stamps.
Section 40-6-17. - Receipt and use of federal funds.
Section 40-6-18. - Agreements with other states.
Section 40-6-19. - Complainant in actions to invoke penalties.
Section 40-6-20. - Prosecution of criminal actions.
Section 40-6-21. - Child support — Income tax refund offset.
Section 40-6-21.1. - Voluntary acknowledgement of paternity — Hospital-based program.
Section 40-6-21.2. - Child medical support garnishment — State income tax offset.
Section 40-6-22. - Disclosure of information — Penalty.
Section 40-6-23. - Release of wage and earnings information.
Section 40-6-24. - Recipient not deemed pauper.
Section 40-6-25. - Rules and regulations.
Section 40-6-26. - Severability.
Section 40-6-27. - Supplemental Security Income.
Section 40-6-28. - Interim cash assistance for individuals with disabilities.