What's happening
This bill requires New York to seek federal approval to allow SNAP benefits to be used for purchasing multivitamin-mineral dietary supplements.
Why it matters
Addresses nutritional gaps for SNAP recipients. By seeking a federal waiver to allow SNAP benefits for multivitamin-mineral supplements, the bill aims to help low-income individuals access nutrients they might miss due to limited food choices.
Defines strict supplement standards. The bill sets clear criteria for eligible supplements, requiring them to cover at least half of the essential vitamins and minerals (as defined by the National Academy of Medicine) and not to exceed safe intake levels, reducing the risk of misuse or unsafe products.
Potential public health impact. If approved, this change could improve overall health outcomes for SNAP recipients, possibly reducing healthcare costs related to nutrient deficiencies and chronic illness in vulnerable populations.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Let SNAP Buy Multivitamins
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 3
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A10697
- Referred to social services
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Let SNAP Buy Vitamins
Vetoed · Sponsor Andrew Hevesi
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8453
IN SENATE
May 8, 2018
Introduced by Sen. CROCI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Social Services
AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to the purchase of multivitamin-mineral dietary supplements with benefits through SNAP
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 95 of the social services law is amended by adding a new subdivision 11 to read as follows:
11. (a) The office shall apply for a waiver from the federal government which would allow for the purchase of multivitamin-mineral dietary supplements with benefits through the supplemental nutrition assistance program. The waiver shall be filed within ninety days of the effective date of this subdivision.
(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "multivitamin-mineral dietary supplements" means a substance that:
(i) provides at least half of the vitamins and minerals for which the National Academy of Medicine establishes dietary reference intakes, at least fifty percent or more of the daily serving as determined by the food and drug administration; and
(ii) does not exceed the tolerable upper intake levels as determined by the National Academy of Medicine.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15698-01-8
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to the purchase of multivitamin-mineral dietary supplements with bene- fits through SNAP
Purpose
This bill directs the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance to apply for a waiver from the federal government so to allow for a program in New York whereby persons who wish, may use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, towards the purchase of multivitamin-miner- al dietary supplements.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 directs the Office to file for a waiver from the federal government so that New York SNAP recipients may use their benefits towards the purchase of multivitamin-mineral dietary supplements.
Section 2 provides that this act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
Benefactors are currently restricted from using SNAP benefits towards the purchase of multivitamin-mineral dietary supplements due to a restriction within the federal oversight program. Taking a daily multiv- itamin provides one with an array of essential nutrients and may provide several health benefits, especially in terms of illness recovery, addressing dietary restrictions, increasing chances for a healthy preg- nancy in women, improved cognitive functioning and energy. This bill would direct NYS to apply for a waiver from the federal guidelines, to allow for the purchase of these nutrients with SNAP benefits.
Legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None to the State.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.