Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 1240 - Human Services
Subtitle 1240-01 - Family Assistance Division
Chapter 1240-01-10 - General Provisions
Section 1240-01-10-.04 - LEGAL BASIS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAMS

(a) The Food Stamp Program is authorized by the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Title XIII, PL 95-113). Regulations issued pursuant to the Act are contained in 7 CFR Parts 270 - 282. The Tennessee Department of Human Services is empowered by T.C.A. § 14-27-104, to comply with any requirement that may be imposed, or opportunity presented, by federal law or regulation for the provision of Food Stamp benefits to Tennessee's Food Stamp applicants and recipients.

(b) The provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code, Crime and Criminal Procedure relative to counterfeiting, misuse, and alteration of obligations of the United States are applicable to Food Stamp coupons. Any unauthorized issuance, use, transfer, acquisition, alteration, possession, or presentation of coupons or ATP cards may subject any individual, partnership, corporation , or other legal entity to prosecution under Sections 15(b) and (c) of the Food Stamp Act or under any other federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Penalties for obtaining and/or redeeming coupons without authority are contained in T.C.A. § 14-27-114.