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HB 3245

Prohibits temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) benefit cards from being used at ATMs or to access cash

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bennie Cook

Missouri bill prohibits TANF recipients from withdrawing cash via ATMs or benefit cards, restricting spending to merchant point-of-sale transactions only.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 3245

Legislative bill overview

HB 3245 would restrict how recipients of Missouri's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program can access their benefits by prohibiting the use of benefit cards at ATMs or for cash withdrawals. Recipients would be limited to point-of-sale transactions at merchants who accept the cards. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and is in early stages of the legislative process.

Why is this important

TANF is a critical program serving low-income families, and how benefits are accessed directly affects their ability to purchase necessities and manage their finances. This restriction could significantly impact recipients' flexibility in meeting their needs, particularly in areas with limited merchant access or for purchases that require cash. The policy reflects broader debates about government spending oversight and recipient autonomy.

Potential points of contention

  • Financial access equity: Restricting cash access may disproportionately burden rural recipients or those without reliable access to card-accepting retailers, potentially pushing them toward predatory alternative financial services
  • Privacy and dignity concerns: The restriction could be perceived as paternalistic oversight of how low-income individuals spend their own benefits, compared to fewer restrictions on other government payments
  • Implementation costs: The state would bear administrative costs to enforce the restriction and manage exceptions, which could offset any fraud prevention savings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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