102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB4539

 

Introduced 1/21/2022, by Rep. David A. Welter

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
305 ILCS 5/12-4.56 new

    Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to prohibit a LINK cardholder from using his or her cash assistance benefits to purchase energy drinks. Requires the Department to apply for any federal waivers or approvals, if required, to implement the amendatory Act. Grants the Department rulemaking authority upon receipt of federal approval to implement the prohibition on energy drinks.


LRB102 22821 KTG 31971 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB4539LRB102 22821 KTG 31971 b

1    AN ACT concerning public aid.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by
5adding Section 12-4.56 as follows:
 
6    (305 ILCS 5/12-4.56 new)
7    Sec. 12-4.56. LINK card; prohibited purchases; energy
8drinks.
9    (a) As used in this Section:
10    "Energy drink" means a beverage containing at least 65
11milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces that is advertised
12as being specifically designed to provide metabolic
13stimulation or an increase to the consumer's mental or
14physical energy. The term does not include coffee or any
15substantially coffee-based beverage.
16    "LINK card" means an electronic benefits transfer card
17issued by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of
18enabling a user of the card to obtain SNAP benefits or cash.
19    (b) The Department of Human Services shall prohibit a LINK
20cardholder from using his or her cash assistance benefits to
21purchase energy drinks. The Department shall apply for any
22federal waivers or approvals, if required, to implement this
23Section. Upon federal approval, the Department may adopt any

 

 

HB4539- 2 -LRB102 22821 KTG 31971 b

1rules necessary to implement this Section.