SB 1695

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Secretary of Human Services to seek a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture to allow the State to include on the face of every LINK card issued to a recipient of SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits or cash assistance under the Code a photo of the cardholder. Requires the Department of Human Services to provide the Illinois General Assembly with various good faith cost estimates including the estimated cost of replacing every still-valid LINK card with a card that contains on its face a photo of the cardholder and the estimated cost of "phasing-in" new photo identification cards issued under the current contract with the current LINK card vendor. Provides that the Department shall suggest a process to the Illinois General Assembly that allows the caregiver of a recipient of SNAP benefits or cash assistance under the Code to use the recipient's LINK card on the recipient's behalf. Provides that the Illinois General Assembly shall through legislation determine whether it wishes to implement the waiver based on projected cost estimates and other matters.