Illinois Senate Bill SB1811

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Refer: 3/10/23

Caption

DHS-STATE PLAN-SNAP FRAUD

Impact

Upon federal approval of the state plan, DHS will have the authority to implement necessary rules for replacing stolen benefits. Until such federal approval is achieved, the bill obligates the DHS to replace stolen SNAP benefits within 14 days from the report of theft, provided the theft was due to no fault of the recipient. Such measures are intended to enhance food security for vulnerable populations, ensuring that they can rely on timely support even in cases where their benefits are compromised.

Summary

SB1811 is a newly introduced bill amending the Illinois Public Aid Code, focusing on the replacement of stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for eligible recipients. The bill mandates the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to comply with the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and submit a state plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to address cases where benefits were stolen due to fraudulent actions such as card skimming or cloning. This legislation is a response to increasing concerns regarding fraud targeting SNAP benefit recipients, particularly those using LINK cards, which are the electronic benefits transfer cards used in Illinois.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding funding and resource allocation for the DHS to effectively manage the anticipated increase in claims related to stolen benefits. Critics may also raise concerns about the operational capacity of the DHS in handling these cases within the proposed timeframe. Furthermore, the extent and efficacy of fraud prevention measures may come under scrutiny once the bill is enacted, influencing public opinion and legislative adjustments in the future.