Berger/Felder Bill to Strengthen Protections Against EBT Skimming is Signed Into NY Law

Albany, NY – The legislation from Assemblyman Sam Berger and Senator Simcha Felder requires EBT systems to allow benefit recipients to cancel and lock their EBT card when fraud is suspected or reported.

The over 2.8 million New Yorkers who are beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) gained additional protections against EBT fraud last Friday after Governor Hochul signed into law a bill (A.9269-B/S.8662-A) sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Berger and Senator Simcha Felder that expands protections from theft of SNAP benefits.

This bill was first introduced to the NYS Assembly by Assemblyman Sam Berger and co sponsored by Assembly Members Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Brian Cunningham, Ron Kim, Maritza Davila, Michaelle Solages, Jo Anne Simon, Alicia Hyndman, Deborah Glick and Brian Maher. After passing the assembly in April, State Senator Simcha Felder introduced it to the Senate floor and it was co-sponsored by State Senators Bill Weber and Luis Sepúlveda.

State Assemblyman Sam Berger said: “After a despicable incident earlier this year where over a hundred thousand dollars in SNAP benefits were stolen from my constituents, it was clear that additional safeguards for beneficiaries were sorely needed. This legislation shields hardworking families from falling victim to EBT theft, and ensures that taxpayers are not on the hook twice. There is still more work to be done, but this is a necessary step in the right direction.”

State Senator Simcha Felder said: “Imagine standing at the checkout with your groceries only to find out that the food stamps/SNAP benefit that you rely on were stolen and there’s no way to recover them. It is sickening and heartbreaking. I am relieved that people can sleep better, knowing that we have delivered the best measures of protection against this unconscionable fraud.”

Earlier this year, over $100K in SNAP benefits was stolen from my constituents. Unacceptable. I will never stop fighting for the communities I represent. Thank you, @NYSenatorFelder for carrying this bill in the Senate. pic.twitter.com/fQAp2f02Mn

— Sam Berger (@SamBergerNY) November 27, 2024