Legislation that would prohibit welfare cards at Colorado marijuana dispensary ATMs or strip clubs has been sent to Gov. John Hickenlooper for action.
The Senate passed the bill Tuesday on a 23-12 vote.
Many dispensary ATMs are already set up to decline the electronic benefit cards, known as EBTs. But lawmakers say legislation is needed to ensure there’s no misuse and to avoid possible federal sanctions.
Some Democrats opposed the bill, saying it’s not clear that the misuse of the cards is widespread.
The bill doesn’t give the state a way to monitor ATM use for compliance. But a separate pending bill that also seeks to restrict the use of welfare cards does have an enforcement mechanism.
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Online: Senate Bill 65
