Local law · Int 1097-2024
Requiring certain retail stores to accept flexible benefit cards
Official titleShow
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring certain retail stores to accept flexible benefit cards
The heading above is this same sentence with its legal opening removed. No words were added, changed or reordered.
New York City Council
Summary
This bill would require retail stores that primarily sell food for off-site consumption and retail stores that include a pharmacy to accept flexible benefits cards distributed by health insurance providers. This requirement would only apply to such retail stores that currently accept credit or debit cards. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (“DCWP”) would be required to provide outreach and education on this requirement. For any violation that occurs within one year of this requirement becoming law, DCWP would issue a warning. After one year, DCWP may issue a civil penalty of $250 for a first violation and $500 for any subsequent violation within 18 months of a previous violation.
Summary from NYC Council (Legistar). How we handle summaries
From the NYC Council's legislative record (Legistar) and official rosters. This record was last updated Sep 7, 2026. About our data
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Where it stands
The session ended before it was voted on. It was not defeated; it simply ran out of time, which is what happens to most legislation. It would have to be reintroduced.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection
Cosponsors
Christopher Marte, Chris Banks and 7 others
Cosponsors in the order the New York City Council lists them.
- Democratic7
Party is shown for the 7 cosponsors who are on Agora.
Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.
- Christopher Marte
- Chris Banks
- Justin L. Brannan
- Lincoln Restler
- Chi A. Ossé
- Gale A. Brewer
- Erik D. Bottcher
- Tiffany L. Cabán
- Jennifer Gutiérrez
Names without a link are in the official record but not on Agora.
Full history
- Dec 31, 2025
Filed
This Introduction was Filed (End of Session)
NYC Council
- Feb 11, 2025
Hearing held
This Introduction was Hearing Held by Committee
Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection
- Feb 11, 2025
Held over
This Introduction was Laid Over by Committee
Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection
- Oct 23, 2024
Introduced
This Introduction was Introduced by Council
NYC Council
- Oct 23, 2024
Referred to committee
This Introduction was Referred to Comm by Council to the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection
NYC Council