Bill requires background checks for benefits applicants

April 4, 2013

By Mark Binker

Raleigh, N.C. - County Departments of Social Service would be required to conduct criminal background checks on those applying for federal benefits under a bill that cleared the House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday.
If someone applying for Food and Nutrition Assistance, what many people call food stamps, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which are cash payments, is found to have an outstanding warrant, social service workers would be required to report them to local law enforcement under House Bill 392.

"Local law enforcement and all county agencies should work together to keep the public as safe as possible," said Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union. He said federal law already prohibits benefits from going to fleeing felons and parole and probation violators.

Full story at the source: WRAL