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Committee introduces RS to add photographic ID to new EBT cards amid fraud concerns
Summary
Representative Jordan Redmond introduced RS32096 to require photos on new EBT cards and to direct the Department of Health & Welfare to develop a replacement strategy; members raised questions about costs, federal funding, enforcement and accommodations for disabled shoppers.
Representative Jordan Redmond (District 3, Kootenai County) asked the House Health & Welfare Committee to introduce RS32096, a draft that would require a photographic identification feature on new EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards and direct the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare to develop a replacement strategy for current cards.
"The intent of this legislation is put accountability and reduce fraud and misuse within our snap program," Redmond said, adding the change is intended to ensure benefits are used by enrolled recipients and to address food-security concerns.
Representative Burnham asked about federal funding and enforcement mechanisms. Redmond clarified that while administrative expenses are typically matched 50/50 between state and federal funds, the SNAP benefit dollars themselves come from the federal government: "the funding for the expense of the program is fiftyfifty. However, the funds are directly from the federal government," and later, "you're correct. So the funding for the expense of the program is fiftyfifty. However, the funds are directly from the federal government." Committee members asked how enforcement would work at point of sale. Redmond said enforcement would fall to the clerk or checkout attendant to verify the cardholder, similar to other card checks, and suggested that accommodations such as power of attorney paperwork could allow trusted individuals to shop for disabled recipients.
Members also asked about the fiscal note and distribution costs. Representative Wheeler moved to introduce RS32096 and asked the sponsor to address how much of the fiscal note would cover issuing new cards and what would happen if the department could not deliver replacement ID cards to all recipients. The sponsor said he would be prepared to answer those questions at a full hearing. Representative Fuhrman and other members described the introduction as a step to get more detailed fiscal and implementation information.
Representative Thompson raised concerns about disabled recipients who rely on others to shop; Redmond suggested power-of-attorney declarations as a possible accommodation but acknowledged it as an issue for further discussion. The motion to introduce RS32096 passed by voice vote and the RS was introduced.
