Florida Senate Bans EBT Use at Strip Clubs, Casinos

Senate votes 37-0 on bill that bans EBT card use at adult entertainment establishments

Florida lawmakers have given final approval to a bill that would ban the use of welfare recipients' EBT cards at "adult entertainment establishments" like strip clubs and casinos.
 
The Senate passed the bill on a 37-0 vote Friday, sending the measure (HB 701) to Gov. Rick Scott for his consideration.
 
The bill won overwhelming House approval earlier.
 
EBT cards - standing for electronic benefit transfer - are like debit cards. Welfare recipients use them to draw down their benefits.
 
Critics have said the bill is offensive to poor people.
 
But the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jimmie Smith, said in an earlier debate that voting against his measure was like "voting for lap dances on taxpayer dollars."

More Local Stories:

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us