TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida Senate committee has approved a bill that would prohibit welfare recipients from using debit-like electronic cards to access cash benefits at strip clubs, liquor stores and gambling establishments.
The bill (SB 1048) sailed through the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee on a 9-0 vote Monday.
Supporters said the debit-like cards are used for food stamps and other forms of assistance.
Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, said the bill is aimed at making sure the cards are used for public-assistance benefits that provide necessities.
The bill cleared another Senate committee earlier in the month without opposition.
