What's happening
This bill directs the health commissioner to create an alternative ID method for using WIC benefits if standard ID is unavailable.
Why it matters
Reduces barriers for WIC recipients. By allowing an alternative form of identification, the bill helps ensure that eligible women, infants, and children do not lose access to critical nutrition assistance simply because they lack or have temporarily misplaced their standard WIC-issued ID.
Promotes food security and program continuity. The proposal helps prevent interruptions in food access for vulnerable families, especially during emergencies, transitions, or situations where official documents might be lost, stolen, or inaccessible.
Addresses equity and inclusion. Some WIC participants—like those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or unstable housing—may be more likely to lose or lack official IDs. This measure helps make the WIC program more accessible to people facing these challenges.
Requires administrative action and oversight. By directing the health commissioner to set up rules and regulations for this alternative ID method, the bill ensures that the system is thoughtfully designed, secure, and effectively implemented to protect against fraud while supporting recipients.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Allow Alternative WIC ID
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
6 Co-sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
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.
Alternative WIC ID Allowed
In Senate Committee · Health · Sponsor Julia Salazar
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6604
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 14, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. DE LA ROSA, NORRIS, MORINELLO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to directing the commissioner of health to establish an alternative form of identification for utilization of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 206 of the public health law is amended by adding a new paragraph (w) to read as follows:
(w) by rule and regulation, establish a method by which an alternative form of identification which may be shown at the point of sale at which checks or vouchers issued under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children may be utilized, in the event a recipient of such program does not have the identification issued pursuant to the program in his or her possession.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05741-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.