Issue Brief 16-10
March 2, 2016
Summary 

On January 15, 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published the final rule to implement the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provisions included in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96). Specifically, P.L. 112-96 required states to adopt policies and practices to prevent TANF-funded assistance from being used in any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transaction in liquor stores, casinos, or adult-entertainment establishments.

Although the final rule took effect on the date it was published, P.L. 112-96 required states to be in compliance by February 22, 2014. All states submitted the initial reports by this deadline. This final rule focuses on ongoing state requirements and annual reporting.