BILL NUMBER:S6291A

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the social services law, in relation to
finger imaging for food stamps recipients

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this bill is to eliminate the finger imaging
matching identification system for applicants or recipients of food
stamps who are not also applicants for, or recipients of, family or
safety net assistance.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:  Amends subdivision 3 of section 139-a of the
social services law, to rescind the finger imaging matching identifica-
tion system for applicants or recipients of food stamps who are not also
applicants for, or recipients of, family or safety net assistance.

JUSTIFICATION:  Finger imaging is neither a state nor federal law.
Under state law, PA recipients must be finger-imaged, but it is current-
ly up to the Governor whether to require social service districts to do
so for people who receive food stamps only. New York is one of the four
remaining states in the country where finger imaging for food stamps
still occurs. Finger imaging is required at the time of application for
public assistance. In order for needy families to get food stamps all
adult members or heads of households must have their finger images
taken. If they don't comply then that leaves their entire household
destitute and without any public assistance. In addition to that appli-
cants must be finger imaged as well for emergency assistance.
              

In a study conducted by a non-partisan, non-profit policy research
organization it was found that finger imaging was not cost effective,
and doesn't do anything to substantially deter fraud. The study
concluded that in Texas and California finger imaging produces serious
drawbacks that included low numbers of fraud detection, high numbers of
administrative errors, and an elongated and inefficient process that
deters indigent people from applying. As a result USDA withheld its
share for state funding for the states finger imaging program.

Finger imaging serves as a deterrent for eligible individuals to access
food stamps, which are paid for by the federal government. It carries a
stigma with it that is degrading to an applicant who might feel that
their dignity is worth more than government assistance although they
might be in dire need. Recently, the Governor waived the finger imaging
requirement for certain working families. Food is a basic necessity of
life. Finger imaging should not be required for any low income families
and individuals to receive assistance with their food costs.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2007: A10215

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: No new fiscal implications.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  180 days following enactment.