Bill > S123

This bill establishes a special commission to comprehensively study and improve the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system in Massachusetts. The commission, composed of various state officials, law enforcement representatives, and appointed experts, will investigate methods to enhance the integrity of public assistance programs. Specifically, the commission will examine processes for issuing EBT cards, verifying recipient eligibility, preventing fraud, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. Key areas of focus include cross-referencing data from multiple sources like Social Security records and death records, assessing the potential implementation of photo identification on EBT cards, reviewing administrative practices for card distribution, recommending data-sharing protocols between agencies, and exploring the creation of an EBT audit system. The commission is required to hold at least four public hearings across different regions of the state to gather diverse input and perspectives. Within 12 months of the act's passage, the commission must submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the Governor, legislative leadership, and relevant committees, with the ultimate goal of strengthening program integrity, reducing fraud, and ensuring that public assistance benefits are used as intended.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S123