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119-hr-6457119th CongressWALLET

FAIR Act

Sponsored By: Representative Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]

In Committee

Summary

Photo ID on EBT cards and mandatory retailer ID checks. This bill would add a name and recent photograph to each electronic benefit transfer card and require retailers to inspect that photo at the point of sale.

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  • Families and recipients: Cardholders would receive EBT cards that show the individual’s name and a photo taken within the previous 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. Multiple household members who are authorized could each get their own card.
  • Retailers: Stores would be required to see and inspect the photograph on the EBT card for every customer before completing a SNAP purchase.
  • Caregivers and vulnerable people: The bill would require accommodations so caregivers of minors, people with disabilities, or elderly recipients can access benefits on behalf of a recipient.
  • Implementation and law text: The Secretary would have 18 months to issue conforming regulatory changes and the bill would take effect 18 months after enactment. It also makes a conforming statutory change removing a prior reference to photographic identification on EBT cards.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New photo ID rules for SNAP

If enacted, the bill would require EBT cards to show the authorized cardholder's name and photo. Adult photos would be taken within the past 10 years; child photos within the past 5 years. You would generally need to use an EBT card that shows your name and photo to get benefits, and States could issue separate cards for each household member who accesses benefits. Stores would have to demand to see and inspect the photo on every EBT card before making a sale. The Secretary would have to set procedures so caregivers can access benefits for minors, people with disabilities, or seniors. These rules would start 18 months after enactment.

18-month delay and rule deadline

If enacted, the bill and its amendments would take effect 18 months after enactment. The Secretary would have to make conforming changes to the Code of Federal Regulations within 18 months to implement the law. This sets a firm timeline for agency rulemaking but does not itself change benefit amounts or who qualifies for SNAP.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]

SC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 12/4/2025

  • Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]

    CO • R

    Sponsored 12/4/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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