COVINGTON, Ky. — A Kentucky house bill aims to impose new restrictions on public benefits. While supporters say this would help weed out those who aim to take advantage of the system, those in opposition say it could complicate the process for those who rely on benefits.

After hours of discussion, the Kentucky House passed House Bill 7 on March 17. It now heads to the Senate.

Crystal Scalf made her normal stop at the Food Stamp Office in Covington Monday. It can be a lengthy process to get her SNAP benefits, but usually, she said, not one she has too much trouble with, other than all the paperwork and the time it takes for approval.

“Right now, I’m actually in a situation where I had to reapply, because I turned in paperwork late. And so they have like, I believe they said, 30 days to work the case. That will be hard, because even though I do get paid every week, I have to pay my bills, my rent, my water, my Duke (energy), all that stuff, so that’s hard. They have 30 days to work the case. I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s gonna be tight,’” Scarf said.

Scalf may be exempt from some changes that would come from Kentucky HB 7, but for others who receive public benefits, they could become disqualified.

Some of the key changes include work search requirements, the limiting of EBT cards to items necessary for a family’s welfare, and eliminating exemptions for able-bodied adults without children from a work requirement for snap. Those kinds of exemptions have been granted in the past for hardships.

Scalf has kids and works, so this wouldn’t affect her ability to receive her benefits, but she said she feels for those without reliable transportation or internet access, who could lose out.

“There’s good and bad parts about that,” she said. “It’s a great help, definitely, with the economy right now. Anything helps right now, so I’m thankful.”

The bill would also establish an oversight and advisory committee, and a job placement assistance program.