A package of legislation intended to restrict the use and halt the abuse of Bridge Cards passed the House Wednesday on largely unanimous votes. The perception of waste among benefit recipients has been a hot issue in many circles. The package includes HB 4721, 4722, 4723 and 4724, although HB 4724 has not yet been passed by the House.
Highlights of the reform are the authorization of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Department of Human Services and State Police to compare those with outstanding warrants to public assistance recipients and the prohibition of Bridge Card use for cash benefits in casino ATMs or for the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets.