What's happening
This bill allows SNAP recipients in New York to authorize third-party software apps to access their benefit information.
Why it matters
Expands recipient control and convenience. By allowing SNAP recipients to use third-party apps of their choice (not just government-developed ones), the bill gives users more flexibility in managing their benefits, potentially making it easier to check balances and track spending.
Encourages tech innovation for low-income users. Permitting access for non-governmental software could stimulate the development of new tools and services tailored to SNAP recipients, possibly improving the user experience and financial management.
Raises questions about data privacy and security. Allowing third-party apps to access sensitive benefit information (account balance, transaction history) introduces potential risks regarding data misuse, requiring careful oversight and possibly new safeguards.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Let Apps Access SNAP Info
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- 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 Users Share Info
In Assembly Committee · Social Services · Sponsor Joseph Lentol
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8881
IN SENATE
May 31, 2018
Introduced by Sen. GOLDEN -- 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 authorized representative of an eligible recipient of SNAP benefits
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (b) of subdivision 7 of section 95 of the social services law, as separately amended by chapter 41 and section 3 of part A of chapter 57 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as follows:
(b) For the purposes of this subdivision, "authorized representative" shall be defined in regulations promulgated by the commissioner. Such regulations shall include but not be limited to permitting an eligible recipient to authorize third party software applications, including those not developed in contract with any state or federal agency, to have the ability to access the benefit information of such recipient, including but not limited to, his or her account balance and transaction history.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15686-02-8
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 authorized representative of an eligible recipient of SNAP benefits
Purpose or general idea of bill
To permit an eligible recipient to authorize a third party software applications to have the ability to access the benefit information of such recipient.
Summary of provisions
Paragraph (b) of subdivision 7 of section 95 of the Social Services Law as amended by Chapter 41 and section 3 of Part A of Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2012 is amended
Justification
With changing technology, consumers have an increased expectation to readily access their information. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase food are now issued to recipients electronically using a debit card so accessing information pertaining to SNAP benefits is essential. However, the ability to access this elec- tronic information can be difficult. SNAP recipients have a right to their information, especially since this information pertains to a publicly funded taxpayer benefit. This bill ensures that SNAP recipients have access to their information by allowing them to elect a third-party software provider to access information on the recipients behalf.
SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. The bill will ensure that information that is critical to planning one's lives and feeding their family is readily and digitally accessible.
Prior legislative history
none
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
none
Effective date
90 days after it shall become law
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.