SNAP Payment Security and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026
Congress Proposes Replacing All SNAP Magnetic Stripe Cards with Secure Chips to Fight Fraud
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress is considering a bill introduced by Ms. Malliotakis that would require all states to replace old-fashioned magnetic stripe EBT cards with secure chip-enabled cards. This change is designed to stop 'skimming,' a type of theft where criminals use hidden devices at checkout counters to steal card information and drain benefits.
- States would have two years to begin issuing the new chip cards and five years to replace every existing card currently in use. Additionally, any grocery store or retailer that accepts SNAP benefits would be required to upgrade their payment machines to support chip technology within a similar timeframe.
- The bill would give families new digital tools to protect their accounts, such as the ability to 'freeze' their card instantly if it is lost and the option to use 'virtual' card numbers for safer online shopping. States would also be required to offer text or email alerts so users can see transactions in real-time.
- If a card is stolen, damaged, or malfunctions, the state must provide a replacement within three business days. The bill also bans states from charging families fees to replace cards that were compromised by fraud, expired, or replaced due to these new security requirements.
- Federal investigators would receive more power to work with the FBI and Secret Service to track down cyber-criminals who target food assistance programs. People caught stealing SNAP benefits would face a fine equal to double the amount of money they stole, with that money used to help pay back victims.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
People who steal SNAP benefits would face a new civil penalty equal to double the value of the stolen benefits, on top of any existing criminal or civil penalties. The expanded investigative authority—including multi-agency task forces and enhanced data-sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement—increases the likelihood that perpetrators of EBT fraud schemes will be caught and prosecuted.
Programs
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Bipartisan effort would require SNAP cards to have EMV chip technology
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) introduced H.R. 7316, the SNAP Payment Security and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026. The bill mandates that states transition from magnetic stripe EBT cards to secure EMV chip technology by 2030 to prevent skimming and includes provisions for an online portal.
New Assembly bill would require secure chip-enabled EBT cards
While focusing on a New York state-level mandate for chip-enabled EBT cards, this report highlights the federal SNAP Payment Security and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026 introduced by Rep. Malliotakis, noting its goal to modernize the system and protect benefits from high-tech theft.
Bipartisan bill would extend cybersecurity regulations on food nutrition programs
This article discusses Rep. Dan Goldman's H.R. 7658 but contextualizes it within the broader legislative push for SNAP security, specifically referencing the Malliotakis bill (H.R. 7316) which requires EMV chips and enhanced digital protections for benefit recipients.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
SNAP Payment Security and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.