Report Title:

Social Services; EBT; Rental Assistance

 

Description:

Prohibits the use of an electronic benefits transfer card for the purchase of alcoholic beverages or tobacco, or as part of a transaction in which alcoholic beverages or tobacco are purchased by means other than an electronic benefits transfer card; requires the department of human services to establish a program to pay rental payments directly to the owner of the rental property for any person eligible for rental financial assistance by the department; requires the department to establish rules for both programs.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

252

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to social services.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346-    Electronic benefits transfer.  No person shall use an electronic benefits transfer card or similar debit card type device:

     (1)  For the purchase of alcoholic beverages or tobacco; or

     (2)  As part of a transaction in which alcoholic beverages or tobacco are purchased by means other than an electronic benefits transfer card or similar debit card type device.

     The director shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this section.

     §346-    Rental assistance.  (a)  The department shall establish a program to pay rental payments directly to the owner of the rental property for any person eligible for rental financial assistance by the department; provided that the State shall not be deemed liable for any damages to the rental property by the person; and provided further that the property owner may seek reimbursement directly from the person for any damages.

     (b)  The department shall provide to the department of taxation the amounts paid to each owner of rental property pursuant to subsection (a).

     (c)  The director shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this section."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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