CA AB2313

Adds protections for recipients whose cash benefits are taken through unauthorized contact, withdrawal, or use that does not involve a physical EBT card, requiring prompt replacement of taken benefits.

Limits one-time replacement coverage (within a 36-month period) for benefits taken when a recipient knowingly provides their EBT card number and PIN to an unauthorized third party they mistakenly believed to be the EBT vendor, approved retailer, or government entity.

Authorizes the State Department of Social Services to issue mass reimbursements to multiple recipients for losses due to data breaches of EBT card numbers or PINs, subject to Department of Finance approval and Joint Legislative Budget Committee notice.

Requires the department to establish a protocol for recipients to report electronic theft of cash benefits that minimizes burden on recipients and ensures prompt replacement while maintaining program integrity.

Permits the department to implement these provisions through all-county letters until regulations are adopted, with emergency regulations required by January 1, 2021, and final regulations to follow.