Bill > HR3887

This bill strengthens protections and enforcement mechanisms for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, by introducing several key provisions. The bill expands the investigative authority of the Department of Agriculture's Inspector General to comprehensively combat SNAP benefit theft, including cyber-enabled theft like skimming and phishing, and allows coordination with various law enforcement and federal agencies. It also authorizes states to use SNAP funds to reimburse households whose benefits are stolen through unauthorized electronic transfers, without impacting their monthly benefit allotment or eligibility. Additionally, the bill establishes a civil penalty framework where individuals who knowingly access or transfer SNAP benefits without authorization can be fined up to twice the value of the stolen benefits, with recovered funds used to offset victim reimbursement costs and enhance investigatory capabilities. The legislation requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to states, maintain a centralized reporting database for benefit theft incidents, and collect annual data on theft and reimbursements, with the ultimate goal of protecting vulnerable populations who rely on SNAP benefits and deterring fraudulent activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3887/all-info