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CS/HB 103 — Transactions in Fresh Produce Markets

by Health and Human Services Committee; and Reps. Fullwood, Campbell, and others (SB 284 by Senator Thompson)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Agriculture Committee (AG)

The bill (Chapter 2016-51, L.O.F.) defines “SNAP” as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It permits the owner or operator of a market that sells fresh produce, but who is not an authorized SNAP retailer with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system to allow certain specified groups, which may not be a competitor market, to implement and operate an EBT system in the market on behalf of the produce sellers. It requires the market owner or operator to reasonably accommodate the authorized third party in the implementation and operation of an EBT system in order to accept SNAP benefits. SNAP benefits may only be used for the purchase of fresh produce or other fresh food on a dollar-for-dollar basis and may not be traded for tokens or other means of trade for non-produce items.

The bill does not apply to a market selling fresh produce whose owner or operator has a system in place for accepting SNAP benefits nor does it prohibit an authorized Food and Nutrition Service produce seller from operating its own EBT system for its customers’ transactions. Finally, the bill does not require a market owner or operator to create, operate, or maintain an EBT system on behalf of its produce sellers.

These provisions were approved by the Governor and will take effect July 1, 2016.

Vote: Senate 37-0; House 117-0