The Assembly debated legislation directing the state's electronic benefit-transfer (EBT) web and mobile interfaces (the OTDA "EBT Edge" system) to provide language support in the 12 most common non-English languages.

Sponsor Assemblymember Berger told the floor, "By mandating the EBT systems expand language services to include the 12 most common languages according to the US Census, this legislation will ensure that these beneficiaries have equal access to tools that protect their benefits." Members recounted constituent reports of widespread SNAP/EBT fraud affecting people with limited English proficiency who could not use existing English-and-Spanish-only online tools.

Questions on the floor focused on the choice of 12 languages, whether the requirement is statewide or county-specific, and potential cost burdens for county social-service agencies. The sponsor said the number was chosen to align with other statutory sections that use 12 languages, that OTDA and vendors are already working on translations, and that costs are expected to be minimal because OTDA will coordinate with vendors.

One member, noting the New York Public Welfare Association's concerns, asked whether counties might incur additional costs; the sponsor said most work is already done and that the effective date (thirtieth day) and vendors' involvement should keep compliance costs small. Another member noted an existing statutory provision allowing counties to include up to four additional languages in certain contexts.

The debate included a public-safety angle: members recounted incidents in which beneficiaries with limited English lost access to cards while shopping because fraudsters drained balances; sponsors said the EBT Edge app allows users to freeze or unfreeze cards and check balances and that translating those tools could reduce harm.

The supplied transcript includes floor debate and a party-line exchange (minority signaled opposition in principle), but it does not contain a final roll-call vote tally in the excerpt provided. The sponsor and supporters urged passage to protect beneficiaries and limit fraud.

Why it matters: Supporters said translating EBT tools will help non-English speakers protect benefits and reduce fraud; critics warned about a one-size-fits-all state mandate and potential county expense.

Next steps: The sponsor said OTDA is already coordinating with vendors and that the Assembly will monitor implementation; counties may seek clarifying guidance from OTDA on rollout and any cost responsibilities.