Missourians could lose welfare benefits if they go too long without using them in the state under legislation advanced by the House.
The House gave the measure first-round approval Wednesday. It needs a second vote before moving to the state Senate.
Recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families would be warned of possible suspensions if they go 60 days without using their electronic benefit card in Missouri. The Department of Social Services would suspend accounts if benefits went unused in Missouri after 90 days.
State officials would investigate whether a recipient is a Missouri resident.
A state audit in December identified 366 cases in which recipients used $461,000 of benefits exclusively out of state for at least three months.