SB7 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Public Benefits, purchase of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and lottery tickets with benefit funds prohibited, use of public funds in retail stores selling primarily alcoholic beverages, casinos and certain adult-oriented entertainment establishments prohibited, penalties for violations
Summary: SB7 would stop public assistance recipients from using benefits to buy alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets, block certain cash withdrawals, impose suspensions for violations, and create an enforcement fund.
What This Bill Does
It prohibits the use of public assistance benefits to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or lottery tickets. It also bans withdrawing or using cash benefits at places that primarily sell alcohol, casinos, tattoo facilities, psychic services, or adult-oriented venues where performers disrobe. Violations can lead to suspensions or permanent disqualification of benefits, and violators have the right to a hearing. The bill requires DHR to work with ATM providers to block cash access at ATMs in those establishments and creates a Public Assistance Integrity Fund funded by civil fines to support enforcement and prevention efforts.

Who It Affects
Recipients of public assistance benefits (including those using cash or Electronic Benefits Transfer cards) who would be barred from purchasing alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets and face possible benefit suspensions for violations.
Retail establishments, casinos, tattoo facilities, psychic service venues, and adult-oriented entertainment venues where such restrictions apply, as well as ATM service providers, which would be affected by new purchase/withdrawal restrictions and enforcement measures.

Key Provisions
Prohibits using public assistance benefits to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or lottery tickets.
Prohibits cash withdrawals or use of cash benefits at establishments whose primary business is selling alcohol, casinos, tattoo facilities, psychic services, or adult-oriented venues with disrobing performances.
Imposes sanctions for violations: first offense = 1 month disqualification, second offense = 3 months, third or subsequent offense = permanent disqualification; violators must reimburse DHR for amounts involved and have a right to a hearing.
Creates the Public Assistance Integrity Fund to hold civil fines for use by DHR and the Attorney General for prevention, administration, oversight, training, and enforcement activities.
Requires DHR to consult with ATM providers to block cash access to EBT cards at ATMs located in the restricted establishments; if a federal waiver is needed, the department must apply for it immediately.
DHR must adopt rules to implement the act.
Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage/approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Public Benefits