CA SB1140

Prohibits recipients from incurring any loss of electronic benefits stolen through unauthorized contact, withdrawal, or use that does not involve a physical EBT card, including electronic skimming theft.

Requires prompt replacement of electronically stolen benefits in accordance with a protocol established by the State Department of Social Services.

Limits replacement to once per 36-month period for benefits stolen when a recipient knowingly provides their EBT card number and PIN to an unauthorized third party they mistakenly believed to be an approved vendor or government entity.

Allows the State Department of Social Services to issue mass reimbursements for benefits lost through data breaches affecting multiple recipients, with approval from the Department of Finance and notice to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

Codifies the 2020 California Court of Appeal decision in Ortega v. Johnson regarding CalFresh recipients' rights to timely replacement of electronically stolen benefits.