MA Senate passes amendment requiring EBT report

BOSTON (AP) -- The Massachusetts Senate has passed an amendment that would require the state's Department of Transitional Assistance to report to the Legislature on its enforcement of Electronic Benefit Transfer card purchase restrictions.

State senators voted to attach the Republican-sponsored requirement to supplemental budget legislation during their Monday session. It now goes to the House for consideration.

On Friday, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a proposal that would ban welfare cash assistance purchases for items like tattoos, pornography and guns. But, Patrick said the state would not enforce what cannot be enforced," in terms of EBT cards, which can be used to withdraw cash assistance from ATMs.

Senate Minority Leader, Bruce Tarr, a Gloucester Republican, said the amendment will provide the governor with a way to report enforcement to the Legislature.