What does Preamble of HR 7658 do?

This bill aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 The amendment requires promulgation of cybersecurity regulations for EBT cards The regulations relate to the supplemental nutrition assistance program

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7658 do?

This bill is formally titled the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026.

What does ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY FOR EBT CARDS. of HR 7658 do?

This section amends Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to address cybersecurity of EBT cards. The Secretary is required to promulgate and periodically review cybersecurity and digital service regulations relating to EBT cards and mobile technologies. These regulations must ensure that cybersecurity measures keep pace with those used by the private sector and required for other payment cards. States must operate user interfaces that allow households to manage their EBT accounts, with at least one being mobile-friendly. The Secretary will maintain a list of required user interfaces, including web-based portals and mobile applications, and must provide an application programming interface. States must provide timely electronic notice of transactions and access to historical transaction data through digital user interfaces. The Secretary will establish a grant program to provide subgrants to eligible entities to upgrade to chip-compatible payment terminals. The Secretary must collect and publish data on EBT card unavailability and cybersecurity measures adopted by states. The Secretary must submit a public report every two years evaluating cybersecurity regulations, trends in benefit theft, and usability issues of EBT cards.

What does ONLINE TRANSACTION SECURITY. of HR 7658 do?

This section amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to address online transaction security using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The Secretary is required to update regulations to mandate security measures for online transactions, focusing on detecting and preventing theft of benefits and data. These security measures must consider the feasibility of cost, availability, and implementation for States. Standard reporting methods are established for States to share data on stolen benefits and data with the Secretary. The Secretary must consult with various entities, including the Administration for Children and Families, the Attorney General, State agencies, retailers, and EBT contractors. The Secretary must report to Congress every two years on the frequency and amount of benefit theft, compromised retailers, and recommendations for prevention. The report may include a confidential annex with merchant information.

What does ENSURING NO LOSS OF ACCESS TO BENEFITS DUE TO EBT CARD DAMAGE, of HR 7658 do?

This section amends Section 7(h)(7) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. The amendment requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations within 180 days of the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026's enactment. These regulations mandate that states provide replacement EBT cards to households within 3 business days of a request if the card is damaged, malfunctioning, stolen, or frozen due to fraud. States must offer, but not require, in-person collection of replacement EBT cards.

What does NO REPLACEMENT FEES FOR CERTAIN EBT CARDS. of HR 7658 do?

This section amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 It prohibits State agencies from collecting replacement fees for certain EBT cards Exceptions include EBT card malfunction, suspected fraud, expiration, or required replacement

What does REQUIREMENT FOR RETAILER USE OF CHIP-ENABLED PAYMENT TERMINALS of HR 7658 do?

This section amends Section 9(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. The amendment modifies language regarding regulations. It adds a new paragraph (5) to Section 9(a) concerning chip-enabled payment terminals. Retail food stores and wholesale food concerns seeking authorization or reauthorization to accept SNAP benefits must have chip-enabled payment terminals at each location. This requirement takes effect no later than 180 days after the finalization of regulations promulgated pursuant to section 7(h)(15)(B)(i).

What does REPORT ON EBT CARDS ISSUED IN PUERTO RICO. of HR 7658 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit a report on the security of EBT cards issued in Puerto Rico. The report must be submitted to specified congressional committees and made publicly available on the Department of Agriculture's website. The report should assess the resistance of EBT cards to cloning. The report may include recommendations for improving the security of the electronic benefit transfer system against cloning-based fraud. A restricted annex containing classified or law enforcement-sensitive information may be included in the report.

What does CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. of HR 7658 do?

This section amends Section 501 of division HH of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Amendments are made to subsections (a) and (b) of Section 501 Paragraphs and subparagraphs are redesignated and struck in subsection (a)

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Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026 — HR. 7658

Last updated: 2/24/2026 · Introduced: 2/24/2026

Author: Daniel Goldman (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill requires the Secretary to promulgate and periodically review cybersecurity and digital service regulations for EBT cards, ensuring measures keep pace with private sector standards.
States must provide user-friendly digital interfaces for households to manage their EBT accounts, offer timely electronic notice of transactions, and provide access to historical transaction data.
The bill establishes requirements for online transaction security, replacement of damaged or stolen EBT cards, and the use of chip-enabled payment terminals by retailers, with the goal of preventing benefit theft and improving EBT card security.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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