HB4756 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 16292 KTG 31917 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB4756

Introduced 1/11/2010, by Rep. LaShawn K. Ford and Maria Antonia Berrios

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program Act. Provides that out of funds appropriated to the Department of Human Services for the LINK program, the Department, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, shall use whatever monies are necessary to implement the Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program to assist nontraditional fresh food markets, such as farmers' markets, Green Carts, market boxes, farm stands and mobile farm stands, produce stands, and other open-air markets, to develop the capability to accept wireless electronic payment cards, including electronic benefits transfer cards or LINK cards, and maintain the equipment usage. Provides that the purpose of the program is to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other LINK eligible food products, including quality meat and dairy, for all Illinois residents by allowing LINK program participants to redeem their SNAP benefits at nontraditional fresh food markets. Requires grant funding to be used for one or more specified purposes including the purchase or rental of wireless point of sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits disbursed under the LINK program. Effective July 1, 2010.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning public aid.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program Act.

Section 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Farmers' market" means a market open to the public which allows farmers and other vendors to sell fresh produce and other locally produced food products directly to consumers. For purposes of this Act, "locally produced food products" includes food products produced in nearby states.

"Green Carts" means licensed mobile food carts that sell fresh produce directly to the public.

"Market boxes" means boxes that contain healthy fresh food products and are delivered to homes, community centers, churches, and schools for pick up.

"Farm stand" means a location at which a farmer sells produce directly to consumers.

"Produce stand" means an approved structure or roadside stand, including any outside display area, which operates as a food establishment at a fixed location and offers for sale only unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other agricultural produce in its raw or natural state.

"LINK card" means an electronic benefits transfer card issued by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of enabling a user of the card to obtain SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits or cash.

Section 10. Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program. Out of funds appropriated to the Department of Human Services for the LINK program, the Department, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, shall use whatever monies are necessary to implement the Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program to assist nontraditional fresh food markets, such as farmers' markets, Green Carts, market boxes, farm stands and mobile farm stands, produce stands, and other open-air markets, to develop the capability to accept wireless electronic payment cards, including electronic benefits transfer cards or LINK cards, and maintain the equipment usage. The purpose of this program is to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other LINK eligible food products, including quality meat and dairy, for all Illinois residents by allowing LINK program participants to redeem their SNAP benefits at nontraditional fresh food markets. Grant funding must be used for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) The purchase or rental of wireless point of sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits disbursed under the LINK program.

(2) Monthly or transaction fees associated with LINK card transactions. No fees related to credit or debit transactions will be reimbursed.

(3) Outreach to LINK program participants.

(4) Advertising and promotion of farmers' markets specifically targeting LINK program participants.

(5) Incentives to encourage LINK program participants to use their benefits at Illinois Farmers' Markets.

(6) Additional staffing for the administration and management of LINK transactions on wireless point of sale terminals and the training of such staff.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2010.