REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE CARDS

House Bill 4724 (Substitute H-2)

Sponsor:  Rep. Bob Genetski

Committee:  Families, Children, and Seniors

Complete to 6-30-11

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4724 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4724 would also amend the Social Welfare Act to address the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system.  Under the bill, a recipient would not be charged for the replacement cost of an EBT the first time it is replaced.  However, he or she would be responsible for the actual replacement and administrative costs of the EBT each subsequent time the card is replaced.  Payment for the replacement would be deducted from the recipient's benefits.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4724 (H-2) will generate a minimal to moderate amount of state fund savings. HB 4724 (H-2) would require recipients to pay for the replacement of their second damaged, lost, or stolen Bridge Card. Every year there are around 575,000 Bridge Cards that need to be replaced, and a portion of which would now be paid for by the recipients. If 12% of the replacement cards are paid for by the recipients that would save $200,000 gross $100,000 GF/GP.  If 25% of the replacement cards are paid for by the recipients that would save $400,000 gross $200,000 GF/GP.

 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kevin Koorstra

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.