Electronic benefits transfer cards.

Existing law, administered by the State Department of Social Services, provides for the establishment of a statewide electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system for the purpose of providing financial and food assistance benefits to needy Californians. Under existing law, a recipient does not incur any loss of electronic benefits if his or her EBT card or personal identification number has been lost or stolen. This bill additionally would provide that a recipient would not incur any loss of cash benefits that are taken by an unauthorized withdrawal, removal, or use of benefits that does not occur by the use of a physical EBT card issued to the recipient or authorized 3rd party to directly access the benefits. By increasing duties of counties in administering public social services programs, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.