Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026
Rep. Goldman Introduces Bill to Require Chip-Enabled EBT Cards to Stop SNAP Benefit Theft
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill requires states to switch from old magnetic stripe EBT cards to modern chip-enabled cards. This change is designed to stop 'skimming,' which is when criminals use hidden devices on card readers to steal benefit information and drain accounts.
- States would have two years to start giving out the new chip cards. Within five years, all old magnetic stripe cards must be replaced. The federal government will pay states back for the costs of making these upgrades, including the price of the new cards and postage.
- If a card is stolen, damaged, or frozen because of fraud, the state must get a replacement to the family within three business days. Families can choose to have the new card mailed to them or pick it up in person.
- The bill bans states from charging fees to replace cards that break, expire, or are compromised by fraud. It also requires states to provide mobile-friendly apps or websites where users can check their balance, see a year's worth of history, and report suspicious activity.
- To keep accepting SNAP benefits, grocery stores and other retailers will be required to have card readers that can process chip cards. Small stores in rural areas or places with few grocery options can apply for government grants to help pay for these new machines.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Grocery stores and other retailers that accept SNAP benefits would be required to upgrade their payment terminals to accept chip-enabled EBT cards. For small stores, especially in rural or underserved areas, this could mean new equipment costs. However, the bill creates a grant program specifically to help eligible small retailers in areas with limited grocery access pay for the upgrade. The net effect depends on whether a store qualifies for grant assistance.
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
6 articles
Federal Bill Would Upgrade EBT Cards to Prevent 'Skimming' Thefts
Rep. Dan Goldman and Mike Lawler introduced the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act to equip EBT cards with security chips. The bill requires the USDA to transition all participants to chip technology within five years and mandates free replacement cards within three days for theft victims.
Congress Proposes Chip-Enabled SNAP Cards to Combat Benefit Theft
Lawmakers introduced the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act to require chip-enabled cards and stronger cybersecurity rules. States would have two years to begin issuing chip cards and five years to replace all magnetic stripe cards, with the federal government covering the upgrade costs.
$360 Million Stolen: New Bill Targets Rampant SNAP Card Skimming
A bipartisan group including Sens. Fetterman, Wyden, and Cassidy introduced the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act. The legislation aims to curb a massive rise in benefit theft by replacing outdated magnetic stripe cards with secure chips and providing grants for small grocers to upgrade systems.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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