(a) The electronic benefits transfer system required by this chapter shall be designed to include a flexible benefit issuance mechanism.
(b) The flexible benefit issuance mechanism created under this section shall be designed in a manner that can target multiple populations with specific benefits and shall allow the department flexibility to provide benefits for specific populations, as determined by the department, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the Legislature.
(c) (1) The distribution of benefits pursuant to the flexible benefit issuance mechanism created under this section shall comply with all federal and state laws and regulations governing electronic benefits.
(2) The distribution of benefits pursuant to the flexible benefit issuance mechanism created under this section shall comply with privacy and confidentiality procedures required by federal and state law.
(d) The flexible benefit issuance mechanism created under this section shall become operative within nine months of the date that the Department of Social Services certifies and publishes on the department’s Internet Web site that the third generation electronic benefits transfer system required by this chapter has otherwise been fully implemented.
(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 13. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017.)