The Georgia Senate passed a bill that would require food stamp recipients pursue “personal or professional development” to retain their state benefits.

The legislation is aimed at encouraging self-sufficiency and accountability.

Under the bill, food stamp recipients would have to pursue personal growth activities—which could include literacy classes or working toward a technical education.

Exceptions would include anyone under the age of 16 or over the age of 59; people employed atleast 30 hours a week; students enrolled at least half time, and anyone participating in a drug or alcohol program.

Democratic Senator Horacena Tate, of Atlanta, says this bill will put too much pressure on people already strapped for time and money:

“It is unfair to say that I have enough money to hold onto my house, but don’t have enough to buy groceries and feed my family, that I now have to go out and have some sort of professional development b/c someone feels that I am underemployed.”

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for a vote.

Tags: food stamps, parker wallace