HB0161 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB097 05588 KTG 45650 b

97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB0161

Introduced 1/18/2011, by Rep. Chapin Rose

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

305 ILCS 5/12-4.4a new

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that every electronic benefits transfer ("LINK") card issued on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of enabling the cardholder to obtain food stamp benefits or cash must include on the card's face a photograph of the cardholder. Provides that within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act, the Department shall replace every still-valid card issued before that date with a card that includes on its face a photograph of the cardholder.

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. Food stamps; electronic benefits transfer card.

(a) In this Section:

"Cardholder" means the person to whom or for whose benefit the Department issues an electronic benefits transfer card for the purpose of obtaining food stamp benefits or cash.

"Department" means the Department of Human Services.

"LINK card" means an electronic benefits transfer card issued by the Department for the purpose of enabling the cardholder to obtain food stamp benefits or cash.

(b) Every LINK card issued on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly must include on the card's face a photograph of the cardholder.

(c) Within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, the Department shall replace every still-valid LINK card issued before that date with a card that includes on its face a photograph of the cardholder.