This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) to distribute contactless electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to all eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients by January 31, 2027. The contactless EBT cards will feature a microchip or radio frequency antenna, allowing users to complete transactions by waving or tapping the card at point-of-sale terminals or ATMs. The DHS is required to enter into or modify agreements with third-party vendors for the production and issuance of these cards and must terminate any agreements with vendors that fail to meet the deadline. Additionally, the DHS must publish a county-by-county progress report on the distribution of these cards within six months of the bill's enactment.

Furthermore, the Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with applying for necessary federal waivers and grants to facilitate the implementation of this act. The bill builds on previous appropriations, which allocated $1.7 million for the replacement of existing SNAP EBT cards with the new contactless technology and system upgrades. By establishing a statutory deadline for the distribution of these cards, the bill aims to ensure timely implementation of this initiative to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of SNAP benefits for recipients.