Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
- Committees
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 30, 2025
Bottom line
This bill removes the current cap on replacement benefits for electronically stolen SNAP funds, ensuring that victims of EBT skimming receive full reimbursement for their lost benefits.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, to remove the existing cap on replacement benefits for electronically stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. Currently, replacement benefits are limited to the lesser of the stolen amount or two months' worth of benefits. The bill mandates that replacement benefits shall be equal to the full amount of benefits stolen from a household, ensuring complete reimbursement for victims of EBT skimming or other electronic theft.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the current cap on replacement benefits for stolen SNAP funds disproportionately harms low-income families, leaving them without essential resources due to no fault of their own. They contend that victims of electronic theft, such as skimming, should be fully compensated to maintain food security and prevent further financial hardship, aligning SNAP with protections offered for other forms of electronic theft.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that removing the cap could increase administrative costs and potentially create a moral hazard, where recipients might be less vigilant in protecting their benefits if they know all losses will be fully covered. They might also raise concerns about the potential for increased fraud if the replacement process is not carefully managed, leading to higher program costs for taxpayers.
The bill text is extremely short and easy to read, allowing ample time for thorough evaluation.
Section 2
Expansion of Stolen EBT Benefit Replacement
This section amends Section 501(b)(2) of division HH of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. It strikes the existing language that limited replacement benefits for stolen EBT funds to the lesser of the stolen amount or two months' worth of benefits. Instead, it mandates that replacement benefits shall be equal to the full amount of benefits stolen from the household, effectively removing any cap on reimbursement for victims of electronic theft like skimming.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for protecting vulnerable families from financial ruin due to sophisticated theft methods like skimming. They emphasize that victims should not be penalized for crimes committed against them, and full replacement ensures food security and fairness.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that uncapped replacement could strain state and federal budgets, potentially leading to higher program costs without sufficient safeguards against potential fraud. They may also argue that the current cap provides a necessary incentive for recipients to protect their EBT cards.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need to protect vulnerable SNAP recipients from financial hardship due to theft against concerns about potential increases in program costs and administrative burden for state agencies. It also weighs the principle of full victim compensation against the need for fiscal responsibility and fraud prevention.