Requires signage warning about EBT/SNAP skimming at all retail food stores; mandates chip-enabled point-of-sale systems for SNAP transactions.
Impact
The impact of A08197 is focused on improving the safety and integrity of SNAP transactions for recipients. By mandating warning signage and the use of more secure chip-enabled transaction systems, the bill aims to reduce theft incidents associated with skimming devices. This legislative action is particularly pertinent as it targets vulnerable populations who rely on these benefits for their basic needs, signaling a commitment to consumer protection in the context of food assistance programs.
Summary
Bill A08197, introduced in the New York Assembly, seeks to enhance the security of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) transactions. It addresses growing concerns over the rising incidence of benefit theft due to illegal skimming devices installed on point-of-sale terminals. The bill mandates that all retail food stores and authorized SNAP retailers prominently display warnings concerning the potential risks associated with EBT/SNAP skimming. Additionally, it requires these establishments to implement chip-enabled point-of-sale systems that enhance transaction security for SNAP users.
Contention
The bill does pose some potential contention points, especially regarding the compliance burden placed on businesses that accept SNAP benefits. Retailers will face financial implications due to the need to upgrade their point-of-sale equipment to comply with the new regulations. Furthermore, while the bill aims to enhance consumer protection, there may be discussions about the adequacy of support provided to smaller retailers who might struggle financially to meet the new requirements. The balances between protecting vulnerable consumers and ensuring small business viability will likely be debated in committee discussions.
Relates to requiring a notice to be posted regarding skimming; requires every person, firm, partnership, association or corporation who is engaged in a sales transaction and accepts electronic benefit transfer cards to place a sign at the point of sale containing a notice regarding skimming; defines terms; establishes the issuing of a warning and for additional violations a civil penalty.
Relates to requiring a notice to be posted regarding skimming; requires every person, firm, partnership, association or corporation who is engaged in a sales transaction and accepts electronic benefit transfer cards to place a sign at the point of sale containing a notice regarding skimming; defines terms; establishes the issuing of a warning and for additional violations a civil penalty.
Requires food distributors that accept SNAP benefits to establish a mechanism to apply available coupons or discounts to purchases made by eligible recipients of SNAP benefits without such recipient being required to provide a physical coupon.
Requires food distributors that accept SNAP benefits to establish a mechanism to apply available coupons or discounts to purchases made by eligible recipients of SNAP benefits without such recipient being required to provide a physical coupon.
Directs the department of agriculture and markets to establish a grading system for retail food stores, food service establishments and food warehouses.
Requires the sale or delivery of cannabis products by distributors to retailers be in exchange for cash to be paid at the time of delivery or on terms requiring payment by such retailer for such cannabis products.