2011 Minnesota Statutes

256.987 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER CARD.

Subdivision 1.Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card.

Cash benefits for the general assistance and Minnesota supplemental aid programs under chapter 256D and programs under chapter 256J must be issued on a separate EBT card with the name of the head of household printed on the card. The card must include the following statement: "It is unlawful to use this card to purchase tobacco products or alcoholic beverages." This card must be issued within 30 calendar days of an eligibility determination. During the initial 30 calendar days of eligibility, a recipient may have cash benefits issued on an EBT card without a name printed on the card. This card may be the same card on which food support benefits are issued and does not need to meet the requirements of this section.

[See Note.]

Subd. 2.Prohibited purchases.

EBT debit cardholders in programs listed under subdivision 1 are prohibited from using the EBT debit card to purchase tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, as defined in section 340A.101, subdivision 2. It is unlawful for an EBT cardholder to purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or alcoholic beverages with the cardholder's EBT card. Any unlawful use under this subdivision shall constitute fraud and result in disqualification from the program under section 256.98, subdivision 8.

History:

1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 10

NOTE: Subdivision 1, as added by Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 1, section 10, is effective June 1, 2012. Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 1, section 10, the effective date.