New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08584

Introduced
11/17/25  
Refer
11/17/25  
Refer
1/7/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of Bill S08584 is expected to enhance accessibility to WIC program benefits for families. By providing two EBT cards to households, the bill aims to ease the logistical challenges that arise when coordinating food purchases for infants and children. This measure addresses the needs of families where multiple caregivers are involved, ensuring that both parents can respond effectively to the nutritional requirements of their children and streamline the process of obtaining necessary food items.

Summary

Bill S08584 proposes an amendment to the Public Health Law that mandates the issuance of two electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards for households participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The change aims to accommodate beneficiaries by allowing both parents and guardians to access benefits effectively, potentially improving nutritional support for families with infants. The requirement for two cards ensures that any responsible adult in the household can manage and utilize the benefits without unnecessary hurdles.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving access to nutrition benefits, it is possible that concerns may arise regarding the administrative burden placed on the department responsible for implementing these changes. The stipulations within the bill also emphasize that the availability and the level of benefits provided to existing beneficiaries should not diminish as new card systems are introduced. Thus, any potential contention may revolve around the operational cost for the department and ensuring that existing benefit recipients are not adversely affected by the changes.

Companion Bills

NY A08938

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 SB1183

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

NY HB4761

Relating to the summer electronic benefits transfer for children program.

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 S07754

Provides that applicants for or recipients of SNAP benefits shall not be subjected to finger imaging as a requirement of the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

NY SF556

A bill for an act relating to eligibility requirements for pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children.

NY SF4107

Certain contract terms exempt for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

NY A03304

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 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 SB232

Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards - Restoration and Receipt of Benefits and Use at Automated Teller Machines

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.