REMEMBER THE RECENT CONTROVERSY CONCERNING THE USE OF E-B-T CARDS AT BARS, CASINOS AND STRIP CLUBS? HOUSE BILL 12 WOULD PUT A STOP TO THAT PRACTICE. REPRESENTATIVE NATE GENTRY SAYS HIS LEGISLATION WOULD BRING THE STATE INTO COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL GUIDELINES AND INSURE THAT NEW MEXICO DOESN'T LOSE 5-AND-A-HALF MILLION DOLLARS IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FUNDS FROM WASHINGTON.

STATE LAW MUST MIRROR FEDERAL LAW BY 2014. THE BILL PASSED THE HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY.