AB 832

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing federal law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , formerly the Food Stamp Program, under which nutrition assistance benefits, formerly referred to as food stamps, are allocated to each state by the federal government for the purchase of certain eligible foods at approved retail food stores. Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families. Existing law permits a county to elect to deliver CalWORKs and SNAP benefits through the use of an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system. Existing law specifies criteria for the development and administration of the EBT system, including issuance to a recipient of an EBT card. This bill would require all convenience stores and bookstores on any campus of the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges to accept the use of electronic benefits transfer cards. The bill would also make related legislative findings and declarations.