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House Human Services Committee reports bill to study transition to chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards
Summary
The House Human Services Committee unanimously reported House Bill 1429, which would require a report on transitioning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to chip-enabled EBT access cards to address benefit theft and operational concerns.
House Bill 14 29, which would require a report on transitioning SNAP benefits to chip-enabled EBT access cards, was reported from the House Human Services Committee after members voted with no negative votes.
The bill, explained by committee staff member Ashley, “amends the human services code of 1967 in public assistance, providing for a report on the transition to chip enabled access cards for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.” The measure is intended to give the General Assembly timely information on the financial and operational aspects of moving from magnetic-stripe cards to chip-enabled cards.
The bill’s supporters said the change is aimed at reducing SNAP benefit theft. Chairman Heffley cited federal data in arguing for the study: “According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 2024, there were 404000 approved cases of reported stolen SNAP benefits across the country. In this Commonwealth, there were 17,000 cases.” He said chip-enabled EBT cards offer stronger security but that “transitioning from magnetic stripes presents a real financial and operational hurdle.”
Rep. Kinkade, who has worked on food insecurity issues, said the problem is immediate for recipients. “This is people's ability to to purchase food, to survive a month,” she said, calling the thefts “truly despicable” and saying the bill puts the Commonwealth “in a really good position to, address the need most effectively.”
Rep. Kang highlighted limits on reimbursement when benefits are stolen: “Because of federal changes to the program, people who have their funds stolen can't get reimbursed for it.” She urged the committee to expedite the bill so the state can act to make theft harder.
With no further discussion, Chair Terry Williams called the roll and, “Seeing and hearing no negative votes, house bill 14 29 is reported from the House of Human Services.” The committee noted the bill’s purpose is to produce information to guide a potential statewide transition rather than to mandate immediate issuance of chip cards.
The meeting included no other agenda items and was adjourned.
