ALBANY, NY – A proposal known as the “SNAP for All Act” (A06632), sponsored by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, is advancing in the New York State Legislature. The bill would create a state-funded food assistance program providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)–equivalent benefits to immigrants who are currently excluded from the federal SNAP program due to their immigration status.
The measure would direct the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to establish and administer the new program, ensuring that benefit amounts and distribution schedules mirror the existing federal SNAP system. Eligible participants would include individuals and households that meet all financial and residency requirements for SNAP but are ineligible solely because of immigration restrictions or federal waiting periods.
The legislation explicitly protects applicants’ privacy, barring OTDA and local social service agencies from sharing personal data with federal immigration authorities unless ordered by a court. It also guarantees that participation in the program will not affect immigration status, naturalization, or “public charge” determinations.
González-Rojas said the measure seeks to close a major gap in New York’s food security system, noting that an estimated 800,000 immigrant New Yorkers remain excluded from SNAP despite contributing billions in state and local taxes.
Under the proposal, local social service districts would be required to administer the program, with the state reimbursing them for 100% of administrative costs. The bill also mandates multilingual outreach and monthly public reporting on participation and benefits distributed.
The SNAP for All Act follows similar state-level initiatives in California, Illinois, Minnesota, and Washington. If enacted, the law would take effect six months after being signed.