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Committee introduces bill proposing photographic ID on new EBT cards to curb alleged SNAP misuse
Summary
Representative Jordan Redmond introduced RS32096 to require photographic identification on new EBT cards and a strategy to replace existing cards; members questioned federal funding, enforcement, exemptions for disabled beneficiaries, and fiscal costs of issuing new cards.
Representative Jordan Redmond (District 3, Kootenai County) asked the House Health and Welfare Committee to introduce RS32096, a request session bill that would require the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to add photographic identification to new EBT cards and to develop a strategy for replacing current EBT cards.
Redmond framed the proposal as an accountability measure intended "to reduce fraud and misuse within our SNAP program" and to make sure benefits intended to address food security reach the intended recipients.
Committee members pressed the sponsor on implementation details. Representative Burnham asked whether SNAP benefits are federally funded; Redmond clarified that the funds on EBT cards are federal benefits, while the department's administrative expenses have a 50/50 federal-state match. Burnham and others asked how enforcement would work: would clerks be expected to check IDs at point of sale, and what penalties or procedures would apply if someone used another person's card?
Redmond said enforcement would be at checkout and likened the check to verifying a typical payment card; he suggested power of attorney could be used where a disabled individual needs someone else to shop on their behalf. Representative Wheeler asked for a full fiscal accounting, particularly the costs to produce and distribute new photo EBT cards and how the department would handle beneficiaries who do not receive replacement cards.
Wheeler moved to introduce RS32096 and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. Several members said they would support introduction but reserved judgment pending full hearing discussion and possible technical changes. The sponsor said he would be prepared to answer fiscal and operational questions at the full hearing.
The transcript records the committee's procedural introduction; no roll-call vote tally or administrative plan was recorded in the meeting record. RS32096 will be scheduled for a full hearing where the department is expected to present fiscal estimates and operational details, including identity-verification processes and accommodations for eligible beneficiaries who cannot present photo ID.
