New Bill Aims to Curb SNAP Fraud with Photo Requirement

Republican Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina has introduced a new bill designed to reduce fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If passed, the measure would mandate that EBT cards include a photo of the authorized user.

“Taxpayers are fed up with seeing their hard-earned money wasted by individuals who aren’t entitled to these benefits,” Mace commented. “This is straightforward. If you meet the qualifications for SNAP, your photo will be on the card, and only you will use it. It eliminates the chance of misuse by fraudsters or individuals borrowing someone else’s card. It’s just a matter of fairness, really, and it’s about safeguarding those American families that genuinely need food assistance.”

Representative Lauren Boebert from Colorado and Representative Barry Moore from Alabama are co-sponsors of this proposal.

The bill specifies, “Every electronic benefit transfer card issued under this chapter must display a photographic image taken within the last ten years. If the cardholder is a minor, the photo must be within the last five years.”

Additionally, the measure stipulates that retail stores must verify the photograph on the EBT card before completing a sale to ensure the purchaser is entitled to the benefits being redeemed.

Importantly, the bill allows for flexibility, stating that reasonable procedures must be established to enable caregivers to access benefits on behalf of those they care for, such as minors or elderly individuals.

Mace, who has represented her district since 2021, is also in the race for Governor of South Carolina.