Bill > S3949

This bill, titled the "Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026," aims to bolster the security of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It mandates the creation of new regulations within two years to ensure that cybersecurity measures for EBT cards and mobile technologies keep pace with private sector and federal agency standards for other payment cards. Key provisions include requiring states to offer user-friendly interfaces for managing EBT accounts, providing timely electronic transaction notices and access to 12 months of transaction history, and enabling households to easily report fraudulent activity. The bill also mandates a transition to chip-enabled EBT cards, phasing out magnetic stripe cards over several years, and prohibits states from charging replacement fees for cards lost due to malfunction, fraud, expiration, or required upgrades. Furthermore, it requires retailers participating in SNAP to use chip-enabled payment terminals and establishes a grant program to help eligible entities upgrade their systems. The bill also addresses online transaction security by requiring measures to detect and prevent benefit theft and data breaches, and mandates reporting on EBT card security, fraud trends, and usability issues.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3949/all-info