Ending Stolen SNAP Benefits Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 18, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to protect SNAP recipients from benefit theft by mandating reissuance of stolen funds and incentivizing states to adopt more secure EBT card technology.
What it actually does
The bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the reissuance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen through identity theft or skimming, removing certain previous limitations on such reissuances. It also establishes a federal cost-sharing program, providing 90% federal funding for State agencies to transition from magnetic-stripe EBT cards to more secure chip-enabled EBT cards, with a sunset date of September 30, 2031.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is crucial for protecting vulnerable SNAP recipients who are often targets of sophisticated theft schemes like skimming. They contend that reissuing stolen benefits ensures that families can access the food assistance they are entitled to, preventing hunger and hardship. Furthermore, investing in chip-enabled EBT cards is a proactive step to enhance security, reduce future theft, and modernize the system, ultimately saving taxpayer money in the long run by reducing the need for repeated reissuances.
Opponents contend
Opponents might raise concerns about the potential cost to federal taxpayers for both the reissuance of stolen benefits and the 90% federal share of administrative costs for chip card transitions. They might argue that while benefit security is important, the bill could create an open-ended liability for the federal government and that states should bear more of the cost for modernizing their systems. Some may also question the effectiveness of chip cards against all forms of fraud or the administrative burden on states to implement new regulations and technology.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are understandable with a careful reading, making it accessible for evaluation.
Section 2(1) and 2(2)(B)(i)
Mandatory Reissuance of Stolen SNAP Benefits
This provision mandates that states reissue SNAP benefits to households when those benefits have been stolen due to identity theft or typical skimming practices. It specifically overrides previous limitations on such reissuances, ensuring that victims are compensated. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to issue regulations to establish criteria for identifying such theft with minimal burden on victims and to permit reissuance even if a household has previously received reissued benefits, provided the state has an approved chip card transition plan.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for consumer protection, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations do not lose access to critical food assistance due to sophisticated criminal activity. They emphasize that the current system often leaves victims uncompensated, undermining the program's purpose.
Critics contend
Critics might express concern about the potential for increased federal costs associated with an uncapped reissuance mandate, and the administrative complexities for states in verifying theft claims, potentially leading to new forms of fraud or abuse if not carefully implemented.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need to protect vulnerable recipients from theft against the administrative and fiscal costs of reissuing benefits and the potential for new avenues of fraud.
Section 3
90% Federal Share for EBT Chip Card Transition
This section establishes a program where the federal government will cover 90% of the administrative costs incurred by State agencies to transition from less secure magnetic-stripe EBT cards to more secure chip-enabled EBT cards. These costs include card issuance, vendor fees, system design, testing, and extensive education and outreach for both retailers and households. States must submit transition plans for federal approval, and the program is set to sunset on September 30, 2031.
The bill directs the Secretary to issue regulations for reissuing stolen benefits "consistent with the procedures determined by the Secretary under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 501(b)(1) of division HH of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328; 7 U.S.C. 2016a(b)(1)), without regard to the limitations in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 501(b)(2) of such Act".
Section 2(2)(B)(i)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for amending or referencing existing law, but it makes the full scope of the change less immediately apparent.
Case for: Supporters would argue that this precise referencing ensures consistency with established procedures for reissuance while specifically removing the restrictive limitations that have prevented victims from being fully compensated.
Case against: Critics might argue that removing these limitations without explicitly detailing them in the current bill makes it harder for the public to understand the full extent of the policy change and its potential fiscal implications.
Estimated impact: This change significantly expands the eligibility and scope for reissuing stolen SNAP benefits, potentially increasing federal outlays for benefit replacement.
The bill specifies that chip technology for EBT cards must comply with the "American National Standards Institute X9.58-2024 EBT standard, or its succeeding standard."
Section 3(l)(1)
Why it matters:This is standard practice for setting technical requirements in legislation, ensuring interoperability and specific security levels.
Case for: Proponents would argue that specifying a recognized industry standard ensures that states adopt robust and interoperable chip card technology, maximizing security and efficiency across the SNAP program.
Case against: Some might argue that specifying a particular standard could limit innovation or flexibility for states to adopt other equally effective or superior technologies in the future, although the "succeeding standard" clause mitigates this.
Estimated impact: Ensures a consistent and high level of security for EBT transactions nationwide, potentially influencing technology choices for state EBT vendors.