S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
1281
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
I N S E N A T E
January 9, 2025
___________
Introduced by Sens. PERSAUD, BORRELLO, ROLISON, WEBB -- read twice and
ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on
Social Services
AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to establishing the
New York healthy incentive program (Part A); to amend the social
services law, in relation to automating SNAP and the New York healthy
incentive program (Part B); and to amend the social services law, in
relation to establishing the New York healthy incentive program
outreach program (Part C)
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. This act enacts into law major components of legislation
which are necessary to implement the New York healthy incentive program.
Each component is wholly contained within a Part identified as Parts A
through C. The effective date for each particular provision contained
within such Part is set forth in the last section of such Part. Any
provision in any section contained within a Part, including the effec-
tive date of the Part, which makes a reference to a section "of this
act", when used in connection with that particular component, shall be
deemed to mean and refer to the corresponding section of the Part in
which it is found. Section three of this act sets forth the general
effective date of this act.
PART A
Section 1. The social services law is amended by adding a new section
95-b to read as follows:
§ 95-B. NEW YORK HEALTHY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NYHIP). 1. LEGISLATIVE
FINDINGS. THE LEGISLATURE HEREBY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT HEALTHY FOOD
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL, AND
ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE INDIVID-
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03901-01-5
S. 1281 2
UALS WHO HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN EXCLUDED FROM ACCESS TO FRESH PRODUCE;
IN FOOD DESERTS WHERE ACCESS TO HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE FOOD IS LIMITED
OR WHERE THERE ARE NO GROCERY STORES; AND LOCAL FARMERS WHO STRUGGLE TO
COMPETE WITH IMPORTED GOODS AND PRODUCE. FURTHERMORE, IT IS THE ARTIC-
ULATED PUBLIC POLICY OF THIS STATE TO PROMOTE AND FOSTER GROWTH IN THE
NUMBER OF FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES ACCEPTING SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION
ASSISTANCE BENEFITS AND PARTICIPATE IN THE HEALTHY FOOD INCENTIVE
PROGRAM. THE HEALTHY FOOD INCENTIVE PROGRAM PROVIDES EARNED DOLLARS FOR
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RECIPIENTS TO SPEND ON LOCAL
HEALTHY FOOD THAT IS FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE UNABLE TO
READILY AFFORD OR HAVE EASY ACCESS TO FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR
THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES; PROMOTES HEALTHIER INDIVIDUAL LIFESTYLES
BY INCENTIVIZING BETTER EATING HABITS; FOSTERS THE RETENTION AND EXPAN-
SION OF FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES, PARTICULARLY IN FOOD INSECURE ENVI-
RONMENTS; ENGENDERS A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL
FARMERS; INCREASES CAPACITY FOR LOCAL FARMS; AND STIMULATES LOCAL ECONO-
MIES. IT IS THEREFORE THE INTENT OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE PURPOSE OF
THIS SECTION TO CREATE A STATE OPERATED HEALTHY FOOD INCENTIVE PROGRAM,
KNOWN AS THE NEW YORK HEALTHY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NYHIP), FOR ALL SNAP
RECIPIENTS AND LOCAL ECONOMIES ACROSS THE STATE.
2. DEFINITIONS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION AND SECTION NINETY-
FIVE-C OF THIS TITLE:
A. "OFFICE" SHALL MEAN THE OFFICE OF TEMPORARY AND DISABILITY ASSIST-
ANCE.
B. "COMMISSIONER" SHALL MEAN THE COMMISSIONER OF THE OFFICE OF TEMPO-
RARY AND DISABILITY ASSISTANCE.
C. "FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES" SHALL MEAN ANY SORT OF ENTERPRISE THAT
ALLOWS LOCAL FARMERS TO SELL THEIR PRODUCE AND OTHER PRODUCTS DIRECTLY
TO THE CONSUMER, SUCH AS FARMERS MARKETS, CO-OPS, LOCALLY SOURCED COMMU-
NITY OWNED GROCERY STORES, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE, AS
DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER WITH INPUT FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRI-
CULTURE AND MARKETS.
D. "LOCAL" OR "LOCALLY" SHALL MEAN LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW
YORK, HOWEVER, IF NEIGHBORING STATES CREATE THEIR OWN HEALTHY INCENTIVE
PROGRAMS THE OFFICE MAY MAKE AGREEMENTS OF RECIPROCITY TO ALLOW SNAP
BENEFICIARIES TO EARN DOLLAR REWARDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF HEALTHY FOODS
FROM SUCH NEIGHBORING STATE AND MAY PLACE A BOUNDARY LIMITATION BASED ON
DISTANCE FROM STATE LINES.
E. "LOCAL HEALTHY FOOD" SHALL MEAN ANY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT THAT
PROVIDES NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT TO HUMANS SUCH AS PRODUCE, DAIRY, MEAT AND
PROCESSED FOODS THAT MUST CONSIST OF INGREDIENTS THAT ARE GROWN AND
CULTIVATED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT MAY BE PROCESSED ELSEWHERE. FOR
THE PURPOSES OF THIS PARAGRAPH, "PROCESSED FOODS" SHALL MEAN ANY RAW
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES THAT HAVE BEEN MILLED, CUT, CHOPPED, HEATED,
PASTEURIZED, BLANCHED, COOKED, CANNED, FROZEN, DRIED, DEHYDRATED, OR
MIXED, AND SHALL CONSIST OF AT LEAST SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF LOCAL
INGREDIENTS.
F. "SIMILARLY SITUATED ENTITIES" SHALL MEAN STORES OF ANY SIZE THAT
HAVE AGREED TO AND SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING DETAILING HOW
THEY WILL PRIORITIZE SOURCING PRODUCE AND OTHER HEALTHY FOODS LOCALLY,
AGREE TO GOAL METRICS TO INCREASE THEIR ABILITY TO LOCALLY SOURCE, AND
MEET THOSE METRICS TO MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTHY FOOD INCENTIVE PROGRAM
PARTICIPATION. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PARAGRAPH, "STORES" SHALL MEAN
ANY NOT FARM TO CONSUMER PRODUCE RETAILER THAT IS CURRENTLY AUTHORIZED
AS AN ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER RETAILER, SUCH AS GROCERY STORES,
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CORNER STORES, BODEGAS, FOOD MARTS, FOOD STORES, CONVENIENCE STORES, OR
MARKETS.
G. "SNAP CARD" OR "SNAP BENEFIT CARD" SHALL MEAN ANY ELECTRONIC METHOD
IN WHICH THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTERED
TO BENEFICIARIES ON A CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD, INCLUDING THROUGH THE ELEC-
TRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER SYSTEM DESCRIBED IN SECTION TWENTY-ONE-A OF THIS
CHAPTER.
3. OFFICE POWERS AND DUTIES TO PROMULGATE PROGRAM. A. THE OFFICE IS
DIRECTED TO APPLY FOR ANY NECESSARY GRANT OR WAIVER TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM OR SIMILAR GRANT ADMINIS-
TERED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE NATIONAL
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE FOR APPROVAL, AND TO ACT FOR THE STATE
IN ANY NEGOTIATIONS RELATIVE TO THE SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL OF SUCH
PLAN, WAIVER, OR GRANT, AND SHALL MAKE SUCH ARRANGEMENTS AND TAKE SUCH
ACTION, NOT INCONSISTENT WITH LAW, AS MAY BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AND
RETAIN SUCH APPROVAL, TO IMPLEMENT SUCH PLAN, WAIVER, OR GRANT AND TO
SECURE FOR THE STATE THE BENEFITS AVAILABLE.
B. THE OFFICE SHALL ACTIVELY SEARCH FOR, FIND AND APPLY FOR GRANTS AND
OTHER STREAMS OF FUNDING TO PROMULGATE THIS SECTION AND FUND THIS
PROGRAM.
C. THE OFFICE SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND TAKE ALL
OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR THE EFFECTIVE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
NYHIP, PROVIDING EARNED DOLLARS FOR SNAP BENEFICIARIES TO SPEND ON LOCAL
HEALTHY FOOD THAT IS FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
SECTION. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PROHIBIT OR LIMIT THE COMMIS-
SIONER'S ABILITY TO EXPAND ACCESS TO NYHIP TO ALL NEW YORKERS, SO LONG
AS IT CONTINUES TO PRIORITIZE THE EARNED DOLLARS USED TO BUY LOCALLY
GROWN HEALTHY FOODS. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PROHIBIT OR LIMIT THE
OFFICE FROM INCLUDING NEW YORK GROWN AND CERTIFIED FOODS, AS CREATED BY
SECTION ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX-H OF THE AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS LAW, FROM
BEING INCLUDED IN NYHIP. NYHIP SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
I. A FIXED EARNED DOLLAR AMOUNT FOR THE PURCHASE OF FRESH LOCALLY
GROWN HEALTHY FOODS USING SNAP;
II. AUTOMATION OF EARNED DOLLAR AMOUNTS ON SNAP CARDS;
III. AUTOMATION OF SNAP BENEFIT CARDS SO SNAP BENEFICIARIES ARE ABLE
TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE SUBSCRIPTIONS
AND EARN NYHIP DOLLARS;
IV. ENSURING NYHIP IS AVAILABLE AT ALL FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES AND
SIMILARLY SITUATED ENTITIES BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO PARTICIPATE;
V. CONNECTING FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES AND SIMILARLY SITUATED ENTI-
TIES WITH THE NECESSARY RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY TO PARTICIPATE IN
NYHIP;
VI. REGULAR UPDATES AND MAINTENANCE OF THE MOBILE APPLICATION AND
WEBSITE; AND
VII. CREATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A NYHIP OUTREACH PROGRAM TO ENSURE
ALL SNAP BENEFICIARIES ARE AWARE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN
SUCH PROGRAM.
D. THE OFFICE MAY CONTRACT WITH OUTSIDE ENTITIES TO EFFECT THE IMPLE-
MENTATION AND PROMULGATION OF NYHIP AND SHALL GIVE GREATER WEIGHT TO
ENTITIES THAT MANAGE HEALTHY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS IN THE STATE WHEN DETER-
MINING CONTRACT AWARD.
E. THE OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH A GRANT PROGRAM, FOR FARMERS, FARMERS
MARKETS, AND COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIPS, IN ATTAINING
ANY TECHNOLOGY NEEDED TO TAKE PAYMENT FROM SNAP BENEFICIARIES AND
PARTICIPATE IN NYHIP. THE OFFICE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS, SHALL ESTABLISH AN OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR FARM-
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ERS, FARMERS MARKETS, AND COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIPS
TO BE INFORMED OF NYHIP AND THE AVAILABILITY OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL GRANT
DESCRIBED ABOVE.
4. NYHIP MOBILE APPLICATION, WEBSITE AND INTERACTIVE MAP. A. I. THE
OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH A MOBILE APPLICATION AND WEBSITE TO PROMOTE NYHIP
AND LOCATIONS AVAILABLE TO SNAP RECIPIENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND PROMOTE
FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES THAT TAKE SNAP. THE MOBILE APPLICATION AND
WEBSITE SHALL INCLUDE, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
A. NAME, LOCATION, HOURS OF OPERATION, CONTACT INFORMATION, AND HYPER-
LINKS, AS AVAILABLE, TO ALL FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES THAT SELL LOCALLY
GROWN HEALTHY FOOD AND ACCEPT SNAP BENEFITS; AND
B. NAME, LOCATION, HOURS OF OPERATION, CONTACT INFORMATION, AND HYPER-
LINKS, AS AVAILABLE, TO ALL FARMERS MARKETS, MOBILE MARKETS, COMMUNITY
SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE, OR SIMILARLY SITUATED ENTITIES THAT SELL LOCALLY
GROWN HEALTHY FOOD THAT ARE PARTICIPANTS OF NYHIP.
II. THE MOBILE APPLICATION AND WEBSITE SHOULD HAVE AN INTERACTIVE MAP
WHERE A USER MAY FIND FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES THAT TAKE SNAP AND ARE
NYHIP PARTICIPANTS. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD ALSO BE SEARCHABLE BY
TOWN/CITY, COUNTY, REGION OR ANY OTHER CRITERIA THE COMMISSIONER DEEMS
RELEVANT.
III. THE MOBILE APPLICATION AND WEBSITE SHOULD MAKE CLEAR DISTINCTIONS
BETWEEN FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES THAT JUST TAKE SNAP AND THOSE THAT ARE
PARTICIPANTS OF NYHIP.
B. EACH COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHALL PROVIDE INFORMATION
REGARDING NYHIP ON THEIR WEBSITE AND HYPERLINKS TO THIS INTERACTIVE
WEBSITE AND WHERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MOBILE APPLICATION ON THE SNAP PAGES
OF ALL SOCIAL SERVICES WEBSITES.
C. THE OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR FARM TO CONSUMER ENTITIES
THAT ACCEPT SNAP BENEFITS AND NYHIP TO PROVIDE THE UPDATED INFORMATION
DETAILED ABOVE FOR THE MOBILE APPLICATION AND WEBSITE. IN DEVELOPING
SUCH PROCEDURES, THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE A SYSTEM IN WHICH THE INFORMA-
TION REQUIRED IN THE MOBILE APPLICATION AND WEBSITE IS UPDATED MONTHLY
AND CONTINUOUS MAINTENANCE IS PROVIDED.
D. THE OFFICE SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND TAKE ALL
OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS
SECTION. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PROHIBIT OR LIMIT THE DEPART-
MENT'S ABILITY TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE NYHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM MAP TO
ALL NEW YORKERS.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
PART B
Section 1. Section 95 of the social services law is amended by adding
a new subdivision 12 to read as follows:
12. (A) THE OFFICE SHALL PROMPTLY SEEK ANY NECESSARY APPROVALS FROM
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
(USDA) TO AUTOMATE THE USE OF SNAP BENEFIT CARDS TO STREAMLINE THE PROC-
ESS FOR POTENTIAL AND CURRENT RECIPIENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCALLY GROWN
FRESH FOOD SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES, SUCH AS COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICUL-
TURE PARTNERSHIPS, BY CONDUCTING AN AUTOMATIC DEDUCTION ON A WEEKLY
BASIS. THE OFFICE SHALL ALSO CREATE AN AUTOMATION PROCESS FOR THE NEW
YORK HEALTHY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NYHIP) AS PRESCRIBED IN SECTION NINETY-
FIVE-B OF THIS TITLE, BY ALLOWING THE STATE TO ADD THE ACCRUED INCEN-
TIVES DIRECTLY TO A SNAP CARD. ONCE THE OFFICE RECEIVES THE WAIVER, THE
OFFICE SHALL WORK WITH THE USDA AND NYHIP TO ENSURE THAT ANY INCENTIVES
ACCRUED ARE USED BY SNAP BENEFICIARIES TO PURCHASE LOCAL FOOD THAT IS
S. 1281 5
FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE UNABLE TO READILY AFFORD OR
HAVE EASY ACCESS TO FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR THEMSELVES OR THEIR
FAMILIES. THE OFFICE SHALL PROMPTLY SEEK ANY NECESSARY APPROVALS FROM
THE USDA IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE AVAILABILITY OF NYHIP PURCHASING OPTIONS
THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
(B) THE OFFICE SHALL ENSURE SNAP BENEFICIARIES AND LOCALLY GROWN FRESH
FOOD SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES, SUCH AS COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE
PARTNERSHIPS, ARE HELD HARMLESS UNDER SITUATIONS IN WHICH SNAP BENEFICI-
ARIES LOSE BENEFITS DURING THEIR SUBSCRIPTION CONTRACT. THE OFFICE SHALL
HONOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE CONTRACT AT THE EXPENSE
OF THE STATE.
(C) WITHIN ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
SUBDIVISION, THE OFFICE SHALL APPLY FOR A WAIVER OR ANY OTHER NECESSARY
MEASURE TO THE USDA TO AUTOMATE THE USE OF SNAP IN THE STATE TO STREAM-
LINE NYHIP AND INCREASE ACCESS TO LOCALLY GROWN CSA SUBSCRIPTIONS.
(D) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SUBDIVISION, "COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRI-
CULTURE PARTNERSHIPS" OR "CSA" SHALL MEAN A SYSTEM THAT CONNECTS FARMERS
AND CONSUMERS BY ALLOWING THE CONSUMER TO INVEST IN FARMERS BY SUBSCRIB-
ING TO A HARVEST OF A CERTAIN FARM OR GROUP OF FARMS, USUALLY DONE BY
CROP SEASON BUT MAY BE YEAR ROUND.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
PART C
Section 1. The social services law is amended by adding a new section
95-c to read as follows:
§ 95-C. NEW YORK HEALTHY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NYHIP) OUTREACH PROGRAM.
1. IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS AND TO THE EXTENT THAT
FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE, THE OFFICE SHALL DEVELOP AND
IMPLEMENT AN OUTREACH PLAN TO INFORM LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS POTENTIALLY
ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FOOD STAMPS AND PARTICIPATE IN NYHIP TO ENCOURAGE
THE PARTICIPATION OF ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS THAT WISH TO PARTICIPATE.
2. IN DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING SUCH A PLAN THE OFFICE IS AUTHORIZED
AND EMPOWERED, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET AND
PROVIDED THAT FEDERAL AID IS AVAILABLE THEREFOR, TO ENTER INTO CONTRAC-
TUAL AGREEMENTS WITH PUBLIC AND/OR PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO DEVELOP AND
IMPLEMENT LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND STATEWIDE OUTREACH PROGRAMS.
3. EACH COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHALL DEVELOP AND SUBMIT TO
THE OFFICE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS FOR ITS APPROVAL, A LOCAL OUTREACH PLAN
GOVERNING THE USE OF LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICES PERSONNEL AND SERVICES
PROVIDED BY FEDERALLY FUNDED AND OTHER AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO
INFORM POTENTIALLY ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS OF THE AVAILABILITY AND BENEFITS
OF NYHIP AND TO ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THE PARTICIPATION OF ELIGIBLE
HOUSEHOLDS. THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE COMMISSIONERS OF SOCIAL SERVICES
WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AS NEEDED TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
SUBDIVISION.
4. AS PART OF EACH LOCAL OUTREACH PLAN, SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICIALS
SHALL TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN A SUPPLY OF INFORMATION LEAF-
LETS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOCAL UNEMPLOY-
MENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR, INSTITUTIONS AND FACILITIES UNDER THE SUPERVISION OR CONTROL OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, FOOD STORES, UNION HALLS, COMMUNITY CENTERS,
ENTITIES PARTICIPATING IN NYHIP, AND LOCAL AGENCIES PROVIDING SERVICES
TO THE ELDERLY TO HELP ENSURE THAT ELIGIBLE PERSONS ARE INFORMED OF THE
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND NYHIP. ADDITIONALLY, AS
PART OF THE LOCAL OUTREACH PLAN, SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICIALS SHALL ENSURE
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THAT EVERY NEW SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICANT
RECEIVES INFORMATION ON NYHIP UPON SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION AND
SHALL PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION IN THE HOME LANGUAGE OF THE APPLICANT
PURSUANT TO ANY FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.
5. THE OFFICE SHALL PERIODICALLY DISTRIBUTE TO ALL NEWSPAPERS, AND TO
TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, PUBLIC SERVICE
ANNOUNCEMENTS DESCRIBING NYHIP, INCLUDING THE NYHIP INTERACTIVE MAP AND
WEBSITE, AND SHALL PROMPTLY INFORM SUCH MEDIA OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN
THE PROGRAM AFFECTING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND/OR THE AMOUNT OF
NYHIP EARNINGS.
6. THE OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH PROCEDURES IN COOPERATION WITH THE
INDUSTRIAL COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO ENSURE THAT INFOR-
MATIONAL LEAFLETS ABOUT NYHIP ARE SENT TO EACH LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
OFFICE FOR DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT TO SECTION FIVE HUNDRED FORTY OF THE
LABOR LAW. EACH LEAFLET SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: THE PHONE
NUMBER FOR THE NEW YORK STATE FOOD STAMP HOTLINE; HOW TO ACCESS THE
NYHIP WEBSITE AND INTERACTIVE MAP; HOW SNAP BENEFICIARIES EARN NYHIP
BENEFITS BUYING LOCAL HEALTHY FOODS; ESTIMATED MAXIMUM INCOME ELIGIBIL-
ITY LEVELS BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE FOR PARTICIPATION IN SNAP; AND THE AVAIL-
ABILITY OF LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ABOUT NYHIP.
7. IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS, RULES AND
REGULATIONS, THE OFFICE SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE APPROPRIATE TRANSLATED
MATERIALS SO THAT POTENTIALLY ELIGIBLE NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING INDIVIDUALS
MAY BE INFORMED ABOUT NYHIP.
8. THE OFFICE SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND TAKE ALL
OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS
SECTION.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
§ 2. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi-
sion, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect,
impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in
its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section
or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg-
ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of
the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such
invalid provisions had not been included herein.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that
the applicable effective date of Parts A through C of this act shall be
as specifically set forth in the last section of such Parts.
