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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 vulnerable in our society.”
Senator Kirsten Murray and Senator Liz Krueger, speaking in support, framed the action as both a common-sense technology update and an immediate consumer-protection step. Murray noted that “since 2022, New Yorkers have lost $40,000,000 in stolen benefits,” and described the federal cost-sharing arrangement that will reduce the state’s share of implementation costs.
Krueger and Murray cited implementation cost estimates to the floor: Krueger said she had heard estimates “anywhere from 20 to 40,000,000 initially to institute this,” and Murray added that the federal government would split that cost “50.50 with us.” Both urged agencies not to delay: Murray said while the bill sets a 2027 deadline for completion, “please don't wait that long. Let's get this done as soon as possible. You've got needy New Yorkers who are counting on this.”
The Senate roll call recorded the bill as passed (the floor announcement stated "It's 53. The bill's passed"). The transcript does not provide the bill’s formal calendar number in the floor explanation nor an exact effective date beyond implementation timing discussed by sponsors.
Why it matters: Supporters said chip-enabled EBT cards use industry-standard EMV security that makes in-person card fraud harder and is already widely used on consumer credit/debit cards. The stated goal is to reduce theft of SNAP/EBT benefits and reduce recurring losses to vulnerable households.
Implementation notes from the floor: initial statewide cost estimates cited on the floor ranged from about $20 million to $40 million and a federal match was described; the transcript does not include line-item budget language, procurement details, or an agency implementation plan.
