Bill Text: NJ S539 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Permits online purchase of eligible foods using WIC funds and use of WIC funds for grocery delivery charges.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Vetoed) 2024-01-08 - Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (67-3-0) [S539 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-S539-Amended.html
SENATE, No. 539
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
220th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2022 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator M. TERESA RUIZ
District 29 (Essex)
Senator NELLIE POU
District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Permits online purchase of eligible foods using WIC funds, carryover of unused WIC benefit amounts, and use of WIC funds for grocery delivery charges and certain infant formula.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on June 6, 2022, with amendments.
An Act concerning the New Jersey Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and supplementing Title 26 of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. As used in this act:
1["Electronic benefits transfer" means a method that permits electronic access to Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food benefits using a card or other access device approved by the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture.]1
"Food instrument" means a voucher, check, electronic benefits transfer card, coupon, or other document which is used by a participant in the WIC program to obtain supplemental foods.
1"WIC" means the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, established pursuant to the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," Pub.L.89-642 (42 U.S.C. s.1771 et seq.).1
1[2. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Commissioner of Health shall implement an electronic benefits transfer system in every county of the State for benefits provided under the federal "Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children" (WIC), established pursuant to the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," Pub.L.89-642 (42 U.S.C. s.1771 et seq.), that meets all federal requirements and specifications for such a system.
b. The Department of Health shall issue an electronic benefits transfer card to all individuals receiving benefits under the WIC program, which may be used to purchase WIC-eligible foods at an authorized New Jersey WIC vendor.]1
1[3.] 2.1 a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, an individual who receives benefits under the WIC program shall be permitted to:
(1) purchase WIC-eligible foods using the online platform of an authorized New Jersey WIC vendor, including an approved vendor which operates predominantly as an online retailer;
(2) expend a portion of the
total value of the individual's WIC check, cash value voucher or electronic
benefits during a single transaction, and carry forward any remaining fund
balance for use during a future retail transaction; 1[and,]1
(3) utilize funds available through any New Jersey WIC food instrument to pay the delivery charge levied by an authorized New Jersey WIC vendor for home delivery of the individual's WIC-eligible purchase1 ; and
(4) purchase infant formula in containers of varying sizes and non-contract brands1.
b. The Commissioner of Health shall apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of this section 1, which shall include a request for the permanent waiver of 7 CFR 246.10(e)(9) and 7 CFR 246.10(d)(1)(i)1.
1[4.] 3.1 The Commissioner of Health shall adopt such rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act.
1[5.] 4.1 This act shall take effect immediately.
