New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03304

Introduced
1/27/25  
Refer
1/27/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
1/20/26  
Engrossed
3/31/26  

Caption

Prohibits the imposition of fees or surcharges for any service rendered through a banking organization relating to the use of an electronic benefit transfer card issued by the state or certain departments or agencies thereof.

Impact

If enacted, A03304 would amend the state's banking law by adding a new section that explicitly disallows any fees for electronic benefit transfer services. The bill's provisions aim to protect users of EBT from additional financial burdens and preserve their access to essential public assistance funds. The law would also apply to automated teller machines (ATMs), where operators would be restricted from charging fees for transactions involving EBT cards, which is designed to minimize the economic impact on low-income individuals and families relying on such benefits.

Summary

Bill A03304 aims to prohibit any fees associated with services rendered through banking organizations relating to the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. EBT cards are widely used by recipients of public assistance programs, enabling access to funds, including food stamps, medical assistance, and unemployment insurance. The bill specifically states that banking organizations, including out-of-state banks and foreign banking corporations operating in New York, cannot impose fees for EBT services, ensuring that beneficiaries can access their funds without incurring costs.

Contention

There may be concerns surrounding the impact of this legislation on banking practices and revenue streams. Critics could argue that prohibiting fees might lead banking organizations to reduce the availability or quality of EBT services, as these financial institutions often depend on transaction fees to maintain operations. Furthermore, the bill explicitly excludes national banks and other federally chartered organizations, which could raise questions about the fairness and equity of applying such regulations selectively.

Companion Bills

NY S09656

Same As Prohibits the imposition of fees or surcharges for any service rendered through a banking organization relating to the use of an electronic benefit transfer card issued by the state or certain departments or agencies thereof.

Previously Filed As

NY S09656

Prohibits the imposition of fees or surcharges for any service rendered through a banking organization relating to the use of an electronic benefit transfer card issued by the state or certain departments or agencies thereof.

NY S08225

Prohibits fees for any service rendered through a banking organization relating to the use of an electronic benefit transfer card issued by the state or certain departments or agencies thereof.

NY A08938

Requires that any electronic benefit transfer services for special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC) benefits shall ensure that two electronic benefit transfer credit or debit cards are issued for use by any recipient household where such additional household member is either a parent, guardian or caretaker of the covered infant or a spouse, domestic partner or parent of the covered mother.

NY S08584

Requires that any electronic benefit transfer services for special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC) benefits shall ensure that two electronic benefit transfer credit or debit cards are issued for use by any recipient household where such additional household member is either a parent, guardian or caretaker of the covered infant or a spouse, domestic partner or parent of the covered mother.

NY A09358

Directs the commissioner of the office of temporary and disability assistance to develop and implement a program to replace all magnetic-strip electronic benefit transfer cards issued by or on behalf of the state with chip-enabled smart cards; provides for reimbursement of benefits.

NY SB1183

Relating to electronic benefits transfer cards used by or for recipients of benefits under certain assistance programs.

NY A11264

Provides that every banking institution operating in the state of New York shall offer at least one no-fee basic banking account that charges no monthly maintenance or service fees, requires no minimum balance, charges no fees based on account inactivity, and provides certain essential services including deposits and withdrawals, debit card access, and electronic payments and transfers.

NY S10055

Prohibits certain surcharges on certain credit or debit card transactions in the city of New York; provides that no agency or department of the city of New York, or any tribunal located therein, shall be authorized to impose a surcharge on a holder who elects to use a credit or debit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means to pay any fine, civil penalty, or fee owed.

NY A04017

Excludes the amount of state and local taxes and fees from the amount on which an interchange fee is charged for that electronic payment transaction by a credit or debit card network; prohibits a payment card network from altering or manipulating the computation and imposition of interchange fees.

NY S05587

Excludes the amount of state and local taxes and fees from the amount on which an interchange fee is charged for that electronic payment transaction by a credit or debit card network; prohibits a payment card network from altering or manipulating the computation and imposition of interchange fees.

Similar Bills

NJ A4441

Requires DHS to distribute contactless EBT cards to SNAP recipients by January 31, 2027.

NJ S4049

Requires DHS to distribute contactless EBT cards to SNAP recipients by January 31, 2027.

CA SB591

An act to amend Sections 19011 and Section 19011.

NJ A4829

Authorizes local governments to impose convenience fees for accepting electronic payments.

CA AB1951

Civil actions: filing fees: refunds.

NJ S2967

Requires State to adopt practices to reduce SNAP benefits theft and to replace stolen SNAP benefits under certain circumstances; upgrades criminal penalties for SNAP benefits theft; makes appropriation.

NJ S479

Requires local unit to accept electronic payment of construction code fees.

NJ A3953

Requires local unit to accept electronic payment of construction code fees.