S.Amdt. 6196

The amendment, titled the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026, aims to increase the security of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prevent fraud and benefit theft.

It proposes the following changes and additions to the bill:

• Technology Upgrades: It requires the transition from magnetic stripe EBT cards to chip-enabled cards that are resistant to cloning. It also mandates that retail food stores and wholesale food concerns have chip-enabled payment terminals to be authorized to accept SNAP benefits.

• Cybersecurity Regulations: The Secretary must create and update regulations to ensure EBT cybersecurity keeps pace with the private sector. This includes requiring mobile-friendly online portals and ensuring passwords and PINs follow NIST standards.

• User Access and Support: State agencies must provide households with digital user interfaces to manage accounts, report fraudulent transactions, and receive timely electronic notices of transactions.

• Benefit Protection: The amendment requires that replacement EBT cards be issued within 5 business days if a card is lost, stolen, or damaged. It also prohibits state agencies from charging replacement fees if the card was lost to fraud or requires a mandatory chip upgrade.

• Funding and Oversight: It establishes a $15 million annual grant program (through 2031) to help eligible entities in areas with limited grocery access upgrade their payment terminals. Additionally, it mandates public reports on benefit theft trends and a GAO report on the effectiveness of these security measures.