Bill > S06365

This bill adds a new section to the New York correction law requiring financial institutions that issue electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to incarcerated individuals upon release to provide clear and comprehensive fee information. Specifically, the bill mandates that these "release debit cards" come with a detailed fee schedule that must be presented in plain language, easily accessible, and include information about various potential charges such as ATM use, balance inquiries, fund transfers, card replacement, account maintenance, and customer service interactions. The fee schedule must be provided in physical and potentially electronic formats, be available on the card provider's website, and be translated into the six most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New York state. Additionally, the bill stipulates that fee changes can occur no more than once per year, with cardholders receiving at least 60 days' notice through physical and electronic means, if possible. The primary goal of this legislation appears to be increasing transparency and protecting recently released individuals from unexpected financial burdens associated with their release debit cards.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6365