Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Social Services intends to consider amending 22VAC40-295, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The purpose of the proposed action is to amend the regulation by adding penalties for persons violating spending restrictions. Section 63.2-621 of the Code of Virginia states that TANF recipients may not access TANF benefits through electronic transactions for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, lottery tickets, or sexually explicit visual materials. In addition, TANF electronic benefit transactions cannot take place in any government store established for the sale of alcoholic beverages, any establishment in which pari-mutuel wagering or charitable gaming is conducted, an establishment in which tattooing or body-piercing is performed, or any establishment that provides adult-oriented entertainment. The regulation will provide for the imposition of penalties for violation of the provisions of § 63.2-621 of the Code of Virginia.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 15, 2014.

Agency Contact: Mark Golden, Program Manager, Department of Social Services, Division of Benefit Programs, 801 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7385, FAX (804) 726-7357, or email mark.golden@dss.virginia.gov.