FRANKFORT, Ky. — After hours of discussion, the Kentucky House passed House Bill 7 Thursday.

Supporters said it aims to modernize public benefits programs and ensure those receiving assistance are eligible.

Among other changes, the bill would: 

• Require community engagement of 80 hours a month for all able-bodied adults without dependents who are enrolled in Medicaid for more than a year
• Establish an oversight and advisory committee and a job placement assistance program
• Restrict the use of EBT cards to purchase items "necessary for the welfare of the family" 

"The only way that you would lose benefits in this bill is that you are either doing something that is illegal or you are an able-bodied adult with no dependents that is not willing to participate in the work programs," said Rep. David Meade (R, Stanford).

Opponents argued it would punish people in need for a few bad actors abusing the system. 

"Those in rural areas who struggle with reliable transportation and Internet literally have to jump through hoops and hurdles and make miracles happen simply to access benefits that are critical for healthy communities," said Celine Mutuyemariya with the Louisville Urban League. "This bill would make a very complex process even harder and nearly impossible for some."

The bill passed on the House floor not long after passing out of committee.

Rep. Lisa Willner (D, Louisvile) voted against the measure. 

"It worries me that currently we have 1.4 million Kentuckians below the poverty line," said Willner. "It worries me that one in six Kentucky children will go to bed hungry tonight." 

Rep. Josh Bray (R, Mount Vernon) spoke in support of the bill. 

"It’s important that we give people the safety net that they need so that when things go wrong they’ve got something to fall back on, but it’s also important that we give people a hand up and not a hand out," he said. 

The bill moves next to the Senate.