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Senate approves chip-enabled EBT transition to curb benefit theft; cost estimates cited
Summary
The Senate passed legislation to require chip technology for EBT cards to reduce skimming of SNAP benefits; lawmakers cited initial implementation costs of roughly $20–40 million with a federal 50/50 match and urged faster implementation than the bill’s 2027 deadline.
The New York State Senate passed legislation to require chip technology for electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used to deliver SNAP and other benefits, a measure supporters said is intended to prevent theft of benefits at retail points of sale. The bill passed unanimously on the floor roll call as recorded in the transcript.
Senator Ruben Serrano introduced the bill on the floor and said the change will protect vulnerable New Yorkers whose benefits have been stolen. Senator Serrano said the measure protects “these needed benefits that help those who are the most…
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