128th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 268 LR 811(01)
An Act To Restrict Cash Access for Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Hanley of Pittston
Committee: Health and Human Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Contingent future biennium savings stay in program - Federal Block Grant Fund
Minor cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide benefits received through the electronic benefits transfer system to be redeemed only through purchase by electronic transfer and not be redeemed for cash. The DHHS will establish a rule to create a system that limits purchases at the point of sale to those goods and services allowed by law. Any additional costs to the DHHS to adopt these changes are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.

Any savings achieved by prohibiting certain purchases and activities would likely not accrue to the General Fund due to the Maintenance of Effort spending required of the State to receive the TANF Federal Block Grant funds and would thus accrue to the TANF Federal Block Grant Fund.