SNAP Payment Security and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026

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.

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Related Bills

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