SB2043 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB097 10202 KTG 50397 b

97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
SB2043

Introduced 2/10/2011, by Sen. Kyle McCarter - Carole Pankau

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

305 ILCS 5/12-4.4a new

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after January 1, 2012, electronic benefits transfer cards ("LINK") used to obtain SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits or cash shall contain the name and photo of the cardholder. Establishes that an individual may only use the LINK card if the photo on the card matches the user. Provides that on the effective date of the amendatory Act the Department of Human Services shall begin the process of transitioning to the use of LINK cards which contain the name and photo of the cardholder. Requires the transition to be completed no later than January 1, 2012. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning public aid.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by adding Section 12-4.4a as follows:

(305 ILCS 5/12-4.4a new)

Sec. 12-4.4a. SNAP benefits; electronic benefits transfer card.

(a) In this Section, "LINK card" means an electronic benefits transfer card issued by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of enabling a user of the card to obtain SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits or cash.

(b) On and after January 1, 2012, LINK cards used to obtain SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits or cash shall contain the name and photo of the cardholder. An individual may use the LINK card to obtain benefits only if he or she is the cardholder listed on the card and the photo on the card matches the user.

(c) On the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, the Department of Human Services shall begin the process of transitioning to the use of LINK cards which contain the name and photo of the cardholder. This transition shall be completed no later than January 1, 2012.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.