Bill > HB1429

This bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to prepare a comprehensive report evaluating the potential transition from magnetic stripe to chip-enabled access cards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps). The report must include a detailed cost analysis of replacing the cards, covering expenses for card production, system modifications, and vendor contract changes. The department must also research other states' experiences with similar card transitions, identifying best practices, strategies to minimize service disruptions, and potential cost-saving measures. The report must outline a proposed implementation timeline with specific milestones and estimated timeframes. Within 30 days of the bill's effective date, the department must submit this report to key legislative committee chairpersons, including those from the Appropriations, Health, and Human Services Committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The goal is to provide actionable information that will support an efficient and cost-effective transition to more technologically advanced access cards for SNAP benefits.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1429