Senate Bill S2567

                                BILL NUMBER:S2567

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the public health law, in relation to temporary approval of
certain programs operated pursuant to the federal special supplemental
nutrition program for women, infants and children

PURPOSE:
This legislation will provide for temporary approval of applications
to operate a WICs program, if the applicant currently operates
another approved program.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section One - adds a new section 2507 to the public health law which
states that any eligible institution applying to participate in the
federal special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and
children (WIC) at a particular site, which has received approval to
participate at another site and has not been deficient in its
participation shall be issued temporary approval to participate in
WIC at the site for which the application has been submitted to the
commissioner. The commissioner or the commissioner's agent shall
issue the applicant a temporary approval of the operation of the
program within fourteen days of the receipt of the completed
application. Each temporary approval will be valid until the
              

commissioner either approves or disapproves the proposed application
of the applicant.

Section Two - This act shall take effect immediately.

JUSTIFICATION:
The WIC program provides significant nourishment to women, infants and
children who may not be able to afford the food products that are
offered in this program for their families. The proper nourishment at
any early age is essential for infants and children as well as their
mothers.

In many neighborhoods, stores frequently are sold and new ones open.
Operators are in many cases owners who have other stores in New York
and have valid WIC vendor licenses in these stores. Unfortunately,
when these stores open, even for an operator who has other valid WIC
licenses
within the state, there is a lengthy waiting period to obtain a vendor
license for the new store.

In most cases stores are licensed quicker and easier to sell tobacco
and alcohol while waiting much longer periods to become a WIC vendor
offering needed products such as; milk, juice, eggs, formula, baby
food, fresh fruits & vegetables, etc., to families in need.

This bill, by allowing existing NY WIC vendors who are in good
standing a temporary license when a new establishment opens, greatly
enhances the local food choices and availability for WIC families.
During the temporary licensing all investigative processes can


continue and the retailer would be obligated to respond to any issues
which arise or forfeit the temporary license.

By allowing responsible businesses owners quicker access to the
program, WIC families benefit greatly from these local stores and the
accelerated license allows them to shop locally as opposed to having
to travel in some cases greater distance.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: This is a new bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.