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Bill

S 8584

Requires that two electronic benefit transfer credit or debit cards be available to certain households receiving special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC) benefits

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Roxanne Persaud and 1 co-sponsor

Requires WIC households to receive two EBT cards to improve access and reliability of benefits, preventing disruptions if a card is lost, stolen, or damaged.

REFERRED TO WOMEN'S ISSUES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 8584

Summary of Bill S 8584

Overview

Bill S 8584, introduced on November 17, 2025 and currently REFERRED TO RULES, would require that two electronic benefit transfer (EBT) credit or debit cards be available to certain households receiving WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) benefits. A companion bill exists in the Assembly as A 8938.

Purpose and Intent

  • The core purpose of the bill is to increase flexibility and reliability for WIC households by providing two EBT cards per eligible household.
  • The measure appears to target improved access to WIC benefits and potentially reduce disruption if a card is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise unavailable.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill title)

Note: The exact text of the provisions is not provided here. Based on the title, the bill would likely include:
- A requirement that eligible WIC households be issued two separate EBT cards.
- Procedures for issuance, activation, and use of the two cards.
- Rules governing use, replacement, and maintenance of the two cards (e.g., in cases of loss or theft, card reissuance, and card security).
- Definitions of “certain households” and any eligibility criteria or thresholds applicable to determining which WIC participants qualify for two cards.
- Administrative responsibilities for the administering agency (issuance, tracking, and compliance) and any implementational timelines if enacted.

The full text would specify implementation details, timelines, and any cost implications.

Affected Parties

  • WIC participants who meet the bill’s criteria (the “certain households” referenced).
  • State or local WIC program administrators responsible for issuing and managing EBT cards.
  • EBT card issuers and vendors contracted to support the WIC program.
  • Retailers participating in the WIC program, insofar as card issuance and use affect transactions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: REFERRED TO RULES, indicating the bill is at an early to mid stage in the legislative process and has not yet moved to floor consideration or committee passage.
  • Introduction date: November 17, 2025.
  • Legislative companion: A 8938 (assembly companion), with the same subject matter.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Accessibility and Reliability: Providing two cards could enhance access to benefits and reduce interruption due to card issues.
  • Administrative Cost: Issuing and maintaining a second card may increase administrative and procurement costs for the WIC program.
  • Security and Privacy: Additional cards may require robust security measures and clear usage rules to prevent fraud or misuse.
  • Implementation Timeline: If enacted, agencies would need a rollout plan outlining issuance, replacement processes, and user guidance.

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bill: A 8938 (listed as the Assembly companion).

This summary reflects the information available from the bill’s title and status. The full text would provide precise definitions, eligibility criteria, operational requirements, and any funding provisions.

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

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