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Bill

A 2538

Provides that applicants or recipients for SNAP benefits shall not be subjected to finger imaging as a requirement of the supplemental nutrition assistance program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham and 1 co-sponsor

NY A2538 bars fingerprint imaging for SNAP eligibility/participation, protecting privacy and requiring alternative verification methods for applicants and current recipients.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.110
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2538

Summary of Bill A 2538

What the bill does

Bill A 2538 would prohibit fingerprint imaging as a requirement for eligibility or continued participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for applicants and recipients in New York. In essence, it eliminates the mandatory use of finger imaging to access SNAP benefits.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition on finger imaging: Applicants or recipients for SNAP shall not be subjected to finger imaging as a condition of receiving or maintaining SNAP benefits.
  • Administrative implementation: The bill directs that SNAP processes not require fingerprint-based verification, with the implication that alternative verification methods remain in place or continue to be used as provided by existing law and program rules.
  • Scope: Applies specifically to the SNAP program administered in New York State; targets the eligibility and ongoing participation process for applicants and current recipients.

Note: The text provided does not specify additional verification processes beyond removing the fingerprint imaging requirement, but the change would align SNAP procedures with privacy considerations and potential administrative simplifications.

Affected parties

  • SNAP applicants and recipients in New York State
  • New York State Department of Social Services (or the state agency administering SNAP) responsible for program requirements and verification methods
  • Potentially vendors or contractors involved in biometric screening if applicable (subject to the agency’s implementation)

Legislative and procedural context

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Current status: Advanced to third reading (CAL.110), indicating progression toward final floor action
  • Recent actions:
    • 2025-01-17: Refer to Social Services
    • 2025-04-11: Amend (T) and recombined to Social Services; print version 2538A
    • 2025-04-29: Reported
    • 2025-05-01: Advanced to third reading (CAL.110)
  • Primary sponsor: Maritza Davila
  • Cosponsor: Brian Cunningham

Related and companion measures

  • Related bills from prior sessions include A 1489, A 2666, A 5303, A 1681, A 10215, A 3044, A 4180, A 2367, A 9594
  • Companion bill: S 7754 (listed as companion)

Potential impact and considerations

  • Privacy and civil liberties: Removes biometric fingerprinting from SNAP eligibility, reducing potential privacy concerns for applicants/recipients.
  • Administrative processes: May simplify enrollment and verification processes; agencies would need to adjust procedures and guidance accordingly.
  • Fiscal impact: Not specified in the summary; typically would involve administrative cost considerations related to removing biometric steps and ensuring alternative verification methods are effective.

Next steps

If advanced to third reading and ultimately enacted, the bill would become law and require immediate administrative alignment by the administering agency to discontinue fingerprint imaging as a SNAP requirement and implement any approved alternatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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