Press Release

CA Senate Approves Consumer Protections for CalFresh Recipients

On Monday, Senate Bill 675, authored by State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) passed the Senate Floor with a vote of 37-0.

SB 675 helps ensure appropriate consumer protections are in place for CalFresh recipients, if the federal government approves the use of EBT cards to purchase groceries online. As more and more Californians purchase groceries online and grocery delivery services become more prevalent, the Federal government has started a pilot program to allow EBT recipients to use their EBT cards to shop online.

SB 675 adds consumer protections for EBT users, in the event they are permitted to buy food online, by limiting orders to stores that allow returns if the food is spoiled or the wrong item is delivered, and that offer replacement if food is stolen during delivery.

“SB 675 ensures that low-income Californians who purchase their groceries online don’t need to sacrifice consumer protections for convenience,” said Senator Skinner.

Under SB 675, online grocery retailers who seek to sell their products to customers on food stamps will need to meet state & local food safety requirements, provide reasonable access to return or exchange the food, and offer an in-person confirmation of delivery.

SB 675 received unanimous vote in committee and has no opposition. The bill will now be heard in the Assembly.

 

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