WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 5129

Requires food distributors that accept SNAP benefits to establish a mechanism to apply coupons to purchases made by eligible recipients of SNAP benefits

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie

S 5129 would require SNAP-accepting retailers to implement a mechanism to apply coupons to purchases by SNAP-eligible customers.

REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5129

Summary of Bill S 5129 (New York)

  • Bill number and title: S 5129 — Requires food distributors that accept SNAP benefits to establish a mechanism to apply coupons to purchases made by eligible recipients of SNAP benefits

  • Current status: REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES

    • Introduced: February 19, 2025
    • The bill has been referred to the Senate Social Services committee. No further actions or dates are provided in the available information.

  • Sponsorship

    • Primary sponsor: Leroy Comrie

  • Legislative context and related bills

    • Related bills: S 8552 (prior-session)
    • Assembly companions: A 5737 (companion appears listed twice in the provided information)
    • The existence of companion and prior-session bills suggests ongoing interest in this policy area across chambers.

  • What the bill would do (key provisions)

    • Mandate for SNAP-accepting retailers: The bill would require food distributors and retailers that accept SNAP benefits to establish a mechanism to apply coupons to purchases made by SNAP-eligible recipients.
    • Scope implied: The provision targets retailers and distributors who participate in the SNAP program, requiring them to implement a coupon-application mechanism specifically for SNAP transactions.

  • Who would be affected

    • SNAP recipients: Would potentially benefit from the ability to apply coupons to SNAP purchases, subject to the mechanism established by retailers.
    • Retailers and food distributors: Would incur a requirement to implement and operate a coupon-application mechanism for SNAP purchases, including any associated system changes and compliance tasks.
    • State social services administration: The bill falls under the purview of the Social Services committee; implementing regulations and oversight would likely involve the state Department of Social Services or equivalent agency, as determined through rulemaking and guidance.

  • Procedural and timeline aspects

    • Status indicates the bill is in the committee stage (Social Services) with no further timetable provided in the summary.
    • If advanced, the bill would proceed through the standard legislative process (committee hearings, floor votes in both chambers, and signature by the governor) before becoming law.
    • Effective date and transition details are not specified in the current summary.

  • Potential considerations

    • Interaction with federal SNAP rules: The bill would operate within a federal program; the compatibility of mandated coupon application with existing SNAP regulations would be an important implementation question.
    • Implementation burden: Retailers may need to update point-of-sale systems and training to support coupon processing for SNAP purchases.
    • Administrative oversight: Clarification on enforcement, reporting requirements, and timelines would likely emerge in committee discussions and proposed amendments.

This summary provides the essential information available: purpose, key provision, affected parties, and procedural status.

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

Sign in to ask a question.