Senators Introduce Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act to Safeguard Benefits
Senators Introduce Bill to Bolster Cybersecurity for SNAP Benefits
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Three senators, Bill Cassidy from Louisiana, Ron Wyden from Oregon, and John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, have joined hands to introduce a bill aimed at safeguarding SNAP benefits from hackers and thieves. The proposed legislation, called the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act, seeks to enhance the security measures surrounding electronic benefit cards, ensuring that families in need are protected from fraudulent activities. Cassidy emphasized that SNAP benefits are meant to assist those who are food insecure not to be exploited by criminals and this bill aims to combat such illicit activities while preserving the aid for those who truly require it.
According to reports, criminals have managed to pilfer millions of dollars in SNAP benefits due to the vulnerabilities in the current system. The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act intends to address this issue by directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to revamp its cybersecurity regulations. The proposed reforms would mandate the inclusion of anti-fraud technology in SNAP cards and initiate a grant program to facilitate the installation of chip capable payment machines in smaller stores. Moreover, states would be required to transition to chip-enabled SNAP cards within two years of the new regulations ensuring greater security for beneficiaries.
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SNAP Benefits – New Bill Proposes Protection from Hackers and Thieves (PHOTO: BRProud.com)
Bill Proposes Measures to Improve Access and Expedite Replacement of SNAP Cards
Under the provisions of the bill, states would also be encouraged to provide multiple accessible and user friendly interfaces for accessing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts. Additionally, families would be entitled to receive free replacements for stolen or malfunctioning SNAP cards within three days. The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act aims to fortify the integrity of the SNAP program, ensuring that the benefits reach those who rely on them the most, while deterring criminal exploitation of the system.
