2011 Senate Bill 522 / Public Act 199

“Bridge card” reform package

Introduced in the Senate

June 23, 2011

Introduced by Sen. Bruce Caswell (R-16)

To allow the Department of Human Services staff (the welfare department) to access the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) system to determine if welfare recipients have warrants for their arrest, so that they could revoke the welfare “bridge cards” of any outstanding arrest warrant targets, as proposed by House Bill 4721. “Bridge cards” are debit cards that have replaced food stamps and are also used for cash welfare payments.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

June 30, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

June 30, 2011

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

Sept. 14, 2011

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Sept. 22, 2011

Passed in the House 98 to 9 (details)

To allow the Department of Human Services staff (the welfare department) to access the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) system to determine if welfare recipients have warrants for their arrest, so that they could revoke the welfare “bridge cards” of any outstanding arrest warrant targets, as proposed by House Bill 4721. “Bridge cards” are debit cards that have replaced food stamps and are also used for cash welfare payments.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Oct. 17, 2011