127th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1097 LR 418(02)
An Act To Improve the Integrity of Maine's Welfare Programs
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Health and Human Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
FY 2015-16 FY 2016-17 Projections  FY 2017-18 Projections  FY 2018-19
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $0 $500,000 $0 $0
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $0 $500,000 $0 $0
Other Special Revenue Funds $0 $516,135 $0 $0
Federal Block Grant Fund $0 $115,739 $0 $0
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds $0 $516,135 $0 $0
Federal Block Grant Fund $0 $115,739 $0 $0
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill includes a General Fund appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services of $500,000 in fiscal year 2016-17 to restrict use of benefits on the electronic benefits card (EBT) by recipients of temporary assistance for needy families on specific items and activities by blocking prohibited purchases through electronic means and to create a committee to determine feasible options for restricitng use of the EBT card on prohibited items. The committee will determine the cost of this system on the State and on businesses. The bill also includes an Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of 516,135 and a Federal Block Grant Fund allocation of 115,739 in fiscal year 2016-17.

Any savings achieved by prohibiting certain purchases and activities would likely not accrue to the General Fund due to the Maintenance of Effort spending required of the State to receive the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Federal Block Grant funds.
Any additional costs to the Department of the Attorney General are expected to be minor.