Establishes a SNAP and cash assistance fraud victims compensation fund

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Zellnor Myrie says this is needed

SNAP theft is on the rise in New York State. It is so commonplace that government agencies like the NYC Human Resources Administration adminis- ter SNAP issue warnings about potential scams. These scams sometimes include the use of card-swiping machines to steal EBT card information which drains funds from vulnerable families depending on these benefits to buyfood. Many victims of food stamp fraud are low-income working families, seniors, and immigrants. These exposed groups of individuals, especially those with language barriers, have a difficult time navigat- ing the agencies to replace the stolen funds(1). In some instances, if EBT theft is rightfully reported to the Human Resource Administration, it may be passed along to the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (ODTA)(2). However, cases rarely get solved due to bureau- cratic hurdles, unclear lines of responsibility, and a lack of agency resources. This bill aims to (1) direct state resources to compensate victims of SNAP theft, and; (2) provide an accessible and easy-to-navi- gate process by which victims may receive those replacement funds.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.