2011 House Bill 5033 / 2012 Public Act 79

Ban welfare for big lottery winners

Introduced in the House

Oct. 4, 2011

Introduced by Rep. David Agema (R-74)

To place in statute a $5,000 asset cap for determining financial eligibility for food stamps (this is already done administratively); and also to include money won in lottery or other gambling as part of “countable income” for purposes of determining eligibility for food stamps and other state welfare benefits.

Referred to the Committee on Families, Children and Seniors

Feb. 14, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-4) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Feb. 16, 2012

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Maureen Stapleton (D-4)

To strip out the provision requiring the state welfare department to apply an asset test to food stamp eligibility determinations.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Feb. 21, 2012

Passed in the House 67 to 39 (details)

To explicitly authorize in statute an asset cap for determining financial eligibility for food stamps (this is already done administratively, with the current cap at $5,000); and also to include money won in lottery or other gambling as part of “countable income” for purposes of determining eligibility for food stamps and other state welfare benefits.

Received in the Senate

Feb. 22, 2012

Referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Human Services

March 22, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 28, 2012

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that only includes the asset cap authorization. The provision on lottery winners is now in Senate Bill 712.

The substitute passed by voice vote

March 29, 2012

Passed in the Senate 26 to 12 (details)

To explicitly authorize in statute an asset cap for determining financial eligibility for food stamps (this is already done administratively, with the current cap at $5,000).

Received in the House

March 29, 2012

Passed in the House 71 to 39 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

April 11, 2012