Colorado Bill Bans Welfare Cards At Strip Clubs

DENVER (AP) - A bill to ban the use of public assistance cards at strip club ATMs got initial approval from lawmakers but not before a light-hearted debate.

House Democrats offered several amendments to the Rep. Dan Pabon's bill Monday, including naming the legislation "The Dan Pabon Valentine's Day Strip Club Public Assistance Act of 2011."

Another amendment said the law should not be in effect at any time at Rep. Mark Waller's "place of residence."

The cards, similar to ATM cards, give recipients access to food stamps and other public assistance.

The House approved the bill on second reading, without the amendments, and faces another vote before going to the Senate.

The law already prohibits people from using their public assistance cards at ATMs in casinos, racetracks, and liquor stores.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)