Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced
Summary
Stronger security for SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments. This bill would push states to adopt chip-enabled EBT cards, tighten online transaction protections, and require user-friendly, multilingual digital and nondigital account tools to reduce skimming and data theft.
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- Families and households would see clearer transaction details and control. Households could opt in to electronic notices and access at least 12 months of transaction history, report fraud, and get faster card replacements.
- State agencies would have to issue cybersecurity and digital-service rules within 2 years and update them at least every 5 years. States would begin issuing chip-enabled cards within 2 years of final rules and must replace magnetic-stripe cards within 5 years, with the Secretary reimbursing reasonable upgrade and delivery costs.
- SNAP-authorized retailers would need chip-compatible terminals to get or renew authorization and a grant program would help stores in low-access areas pay for terminal upgrades.
*No fiscal estimate is provided in the bill text.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
EBT cybersecurity rules and reimbursements
If enacted, the bill would require the Agriculture Secretary to issue nationwide EBT cybersecurity and digital service rules within 2 years and to review them at least every 5 years. The rules would set timelines for states to start issuing chip-enabled cards, stop new magnetic-stripe cards, and reissue existing cards within set years after the rules are final. If enacted, the Secretary would reimburse States for reasonable costs to upgrade and reissue chip-enabled cards, including vendor fees and postage.
Faster EBT replacements and protections
If enacted, the bill would require States to give replacement EBT cards within 3 business days after a household requests one, by mail or in person. If enacted, States could not charge most replacement fees starting 60 days after enactment for malfunctions, external fraud, expiration, or required regulatory replacements. If enacted, States would be barred (starting 60 days after enactment) from forcing PIN or password rules that conflict with NIST SP 800-63B guidance. If enacted, the Secretary would set online-transaction security rules and must report on online theft within 3 years and every 2 years after that.
Grants and terminal rules for retailers
If enacted, the bill would create grants to help SNAP retailers buy or upgrade to chip-capable payment terminals. Grants would go to groups that give subgrants to eligible SNAP stores in areas with limited grocery access. If enacted, stores applying for SNAP authorization or reauthorization would need a chip-enabled terminal at each location within 180 days after the Agriculture Department's cyber rules become final. This would lower costs for some small stores but also require upgrades for others.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
LA • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Katie Britt
AL • R
Sponsored 3/9/2026
Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/17/2026
Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]
PA • R
Sponsored 3/18/2026
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
NY • D
Sponsored 3/18/2026
Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
WV • R
Sponsored 4/14/2026
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 4/14/2026
Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
SC • R
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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